The Special Litigation Section is one of several Sections in the Civil Rights Division. We work to protect civil rights in the following areas: 1) the rights of people in state or local institutions, including: jails, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, and health care facilities for persons with disabilities; 2) the rights of individuals with disabilities to receive services in their communities, rather than in institutions; 3) the rights of people who interact with state or local police or sheriffs' departments; 4) the rights of youth involved in the juvenile justice system; 5) the rights of people to have safe access to reproductive health care clinics; and 6) the rights of people to practice their religion while confined to state and local institutions. We can also act on behalf of people at risk of harm in these areas.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit in federal court today against Maricopa County, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) and Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio, arising from unconstitutional and unlawful actions by the defendants.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
First Investigative Findings Involving a Juvenile Justice System
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today its findings that the state of Mississippi violated the constitutional rights of youth detained at the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility (WGYCF).
DOJ findings regarding due process and equal protection at the Shelby County Juvenile Court.
DOJ letter updating findings of unconstitutional conditions and notifying of Title VI concerns.
Court order requiring that a jail give detainees access to books, newspapers, and magazines, as well as religious materials, unless it would be dangerous to do so.
Sharp v. Baltimore City Police Department
The Department of Justice has opened investigations concerning allegations that the Meridian Police Department and the Lauderdale County Juvenile Court are violating the Fourth Amendment, Due Process and Equal Protection rights of juveniles in Meridian who are referred for law enforcement action by public schools. The Department welcomes any information from the community. If you have comments or concerns, please feel free to contact us at
Community.Meridian@usdoj.govOn December 2, 2011, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas E. Perez sent identical letters to more than 150 local law enforcement agencies in Alabama, informing them of the Division’s monitoring activities and reminding them of their obligations to engage in non-discriminatory policing.
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