General Civil Liberties

General Civil Liberties

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Covid-19 Rapid Response

The ACLU of Ohio is very concerned about the impact of COVID-19, aka coronavirus, in Ohio's prisons, jails, youth, and ICE detention facilities and how it may and will affect people locked up in these locations.

The ACLU of Ohio is very concerned about the impact of COVID-19, aka coronavirus, in Ohio's prisons, jails, youth, and ICE detention facilities and how it may and will affect people locked up in these locations.

We recognize it is frequently difficult for incarcerated individuals to report problems behind bars to those outside. With COVID-19, we understand it will be even more difficult. For that reason, we encourage families, loved ones, facility staff and others to report to us problems they are aware of, concerns, and observations using [email protected]. Our plan is to use this information to most effectively advocate for those incarcerated and identify trends so we can protect the civil liberties of all. (Please note: e-mailing [email protected] does not offer or guarantee legal representation or advice. If you are seeking legal assistance, please submit a complaint for review through our Need Legal Help page.) Link to Department of Rehabilitation and Correction information about current visitation policies plus DRC’s own phone number and email regarding COVID-19 concerns can be found here.

The ACLU of Ohio is very concerned about the impact of COVID-19, aka coronavirus, in Ohio's prisons, jails, youth, and ICE detention facilities and how it may and will affect people locked up in these locations.

We recognize it is frequently difficult for incarcerated individuals to report problems behind bars to those outside. With COVID-19, we understand it will be even more difficult. For that reason, we encourage families, loved ones, facility staff and others to report to us problems they are aware of, concerns, and observations using [email protected]. Our plan is to use this information to most effectively advocate for those incarcerated and identify trends so we can protect the civil liberties of all. (Please note: e-mailing [email protected] does not offer or guarantee legal representation or advice. If you are seeking legal assistance, please submit a complaint for review through our Need Legal Help page.) Link to Department of Rehabilitation and Correction information about current visitation policies plus DRC’s own phone number and email regarding COVID-19 concerns can be found here.

COVID-19 in Prisons, Jails, & Youth facilities
Recent efforts on criminal justice and transparency:

COVID-19 & Immigration Detention

Recent efforts in immigration detention:

COVID-19 & Voting Rights
Recent efforts on voting rights:

COVID-19 & Abortion
Recent efforts on abortion rights:

COVID-19 Related Efforts

For a list of actions taken by other organizations, please visit our Partner Action page.

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Mayor's Courts

Mayor's courts are local courts that hear traffic and local ordinance violations. They are relics of the past – only Ohio and Louisiana still have them.

What are mayor's courts? Mayor's courts are local courts that hear traffic and local ordinance violations. They are relics of the past – only Ohio and Louisiana still have them.

What's the problem with mayor's courts? Mayor's courts are geared toward making money rather than delivering justice. In 2016, municipalities with mayor's courts issued one out of every six traffic tickets in Ohio. Unlike municipal courts, mayor's courts are not courts of record, which means there are no audio recordings or transcripts of what happens in mayor's courts. This lack of transparency and accountability creates a breeding ground for coercive tactics used to collect fines and fees. To make matters worse, mayors or magistrates who hear cases in mayor's court are only required to have six hours of training per year, and even less in some cases.

The ACLU is committed to making mayor’s courts fair, transparent, and accountable to the public.

To learn more about mayor's courts and to view our billboard in Bratenahl, Ohio, visit our mayor's courts videos page.

Mayor's Courts in Ohio Cities

DISCLAIMER – The information on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Every case depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. To submit a complaint for review, please go to our Legal Help page.

Documents

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The Latest

Press Release
Image of the Ohio Statehouse with the words "Press Release" over it.

ACLU of Ohio Celebrates Progress of Two Reentry Bills

We celebrate the advancement of two bills that will promote successful reentry for our Ohio friends, neighbors, and family members returning home to their communities after incarceration.
Issue Areas: General Civil Liberties
News & Commentary
ohio statehouse graphic with red podium and microphone

Sub. Senate Bill 87 - Opponent Testimony

Ohio government is already equipped to investigate and enforce its anti-discrimination laws. ACLU of Ohio encourages this committee’s rejection of Substitute Senate Bill 87.
Resource
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DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

Thanks to a generous supporter, your donations to the ACLU of Ohio will be matched up to $100,000 through January 15th!
News & Commentary
Image of the Statehouse with overlay of hands and protest signs

Defending Civil Liberties and Community Care: How the ACLU’s Mission is Social Work in Action

The ACLU’s vital work is absolutely litigation and legislative advocacy, but it is also social work in every sense. Now more than ever, social workers cannot only just support the work of the ACLU; we need to be active participants in the organization’s continued fight for civil liberties so we can create a more equitable country to live in: with true liberty and justice for all.
Court Case
Jul 10, 2024

State v. Morris (amicus)

The Ohio Constitution provides a right to counsel that is broader than the corresponding protection in the U.S. Constitution. When police interrogate a defendant alone, but for whom counsel has been appointed, they risk tricking the defendant into believing there is no lawyer available to help them.
Court Case
Dec 11, 2025

Madeline Moe, et al. v. Dave Yost, et al.

Minor Plaintiffs and their parents challenge HB 68, Ohio's ban on gender affirming care for minors.
Court Case
Nov 07, 2022

Soto v. Siekfer (amicus)

Court Case
Sep 23, 2025

Equitas Health v. State

The passage of this law by inclusion in the budget bill violates Ohio’s “single-subject” rule. In addition, the law is unconstitutionally vague.