How does the ACLU decide to take legal cases?
Most cases come from citizens who contact the State Office in Miami where volunteers advise citizens who feel their rights have been violated. Some cases come from complaints presented to the Chapter Legal Panels, while other cases come from attorneys who approach the ACLU for assistance. Potential cases are assigned to our staff attorneys or volunteer attorneys for research and legal analysis. A Legal Panel – either at the state or chapter level – comprised of volunteer ACLU attorneys decides which cases should be accepted, subject to ratification by the ACLU of Florida Board of Directors. Emergency authorization to sue may be given by the board president when time is limited.