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Protecting citizens' rights in the courts
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  Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Litigation Group do?Public Citizen Litigation Group is the litigating arm of Public Citizen. The Group specializes in cases involving health and safety regulation, consumer rights, access to the courts, open government, and the First Amendment, including internet free speech. We litigate cases at all levels of the federal and state judiciaries and have a substantial practice before federal regulatory agencies. Our efforts are also pursued through programs such as the Alan Morrison Supreme Court Assistance Project and the Freedom of Information Clearinghouse. For more information on the Group, please click here. What are the Litigation Group's areas of practice?The Group specializes in cases involving health and safety regulation, consumer rights, access to the courts, open government, and the First Amendment, including internet free speech. In addition, we operate a Supreme Court Assistance Project, the Consumer Justice Project, and are part of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Clearinghouse. To learn more about a topic or specific case, click here. Can the Litigation Group help me with my case?Maybe, but usually not. If you mail us a written letter our lawyers will read it, consider its specifics in relation to our resources and goals, and then respond in writing. We don't want to discourage anyone in their pursuit of justice. At the same time, our resources are limited and we don't want to give rise to any hopes that we can't fulfill. We have taken cases through this mail-in process, some even to the Supreme Court. However, this is the exception rather than the rule.
What is the Supreme Court Assistance Project (SCAP)?The Litigation Group operates a Supreme Court Assistance Project to help small firm practitioners, legal services lawyers, and other lawyers with little or no experience in Supreme Court litigation. The Project provides direct assistance to those lawyers both before review is granted, either by helping with the cert. petition or the brief in opposition, and, in those cases in which review is granted, working with the lawyers on the briefs and oral arguments. In rare cases, the principal role is assumed by a Litigation Group attorney, but generally the Group's role is advisory. What is the Freedom of Information Clearinghouse (FOIC)?The Freedom of Information Clearinghouse is a joint project of Ralph Nader's Center for the Study of Responsive Law and Public Citizen. It provides technical and legal assistance to individuals, public interest groups, and members of the media who seek access to information held by government agencies.
Can I get information or documents related to cases the Litigation Group is involved in?Many documents are available on our website in the Cases and Documents section. Otherwise, you can e-mail the Litigation Group or send a letter to:
Can I get legal advice over the phone or through e-mail?No. Unfortunately, we do not have the staff to adequately answer all the requests for legal advice that we receive throughout the day, so we cannot answer any. Please contact your local bar association for a referral in most cases. Also, law schools often run clinics that may be able to assist you with free legal advice. To research pro-bono or low-cost legal aid, please contact the American Bar Association. Another resource is the Legal Services Corporation, established by Congress to provide low-income Americans access to civil legal aid. If you are looking for a lawyer specifically regarding a consumer rights issue, you may be able to find one from the National Association of Consumer Advocates. You may also wish to consult the website of National Consumer Law Center in Boston, which has compiled a list of useful resources for individual consumers. Do you have any internships, fellowships, or employment opportunities?For information regarding internship, fellowship, and employment opportunities with the Litigation Group, please click here. To see jobs available in all divisions at Public Citizen, please click here. For inquiries related to Litigation Group positions and applications, please e-mail us. more resources
Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here. |
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