Our Cases
Browse Our Past Legal Cases
Browse a selection of cases where the 1851 Center has stood up for constitutional limits on government power and defended the rights of Ohio citizens, property owners, and small businesses.
Data Centers Cannot Seize Ohio Farmland
Legal Center intervenes in Power Siting Board to stop eminent domain for Meta Data Center Pipeline Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to intervene in the Ohio Power Siting Board to stop a Meta affiliate from using eminent domain to...
Federal Court: Ohio Cities Can’t Scam Homeowners with “Annual Fees.”
Federal Court: Ohio Cities Can’t Scam Homeowners with “Annual Fees.” Cleveland Heights fees on leasing are an unconstitutional taking. Cleveland, OH – A federal District Court this week ruled unconstitutional City of Cleveland Heights practice of imposing special...
High Court Will Determine Whether Forbidding More Than Two People from Living Together Violates Ohio Constitution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2025 Legal Center: zoning is to stop property uses that inflict harm on others, not social engineering Kent, OH – The Supreme Court of Ohio will hear arguments on whether Ohio cities can ban groups of more than two from living together...
Legal Center Moves to Stop Unconstitutional Fair Housing Shakedowns
LEGAL CENTER MOVES TO STOP UNCONSTITUTIONAL “FAIR HOUSING” SHAKEDOWNS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2025 Dayton nonprofit hires actors to manufacture discrimination by entrapping and shakedown unsuspecting homeowners. Dayton, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional...
Ohio Court: Cities Can’t Force Homeowners to Repair City Sidewalks
Ohio Court: Cities Can't Force Homeowners to Repair City Sidewalks FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2025 Painesville sidewalk tax on abutting homeowners, whether they damage the sidewalks or not, violates Due Process, is unconstitutional. Painesville, OH – An Ohio...
High Court Will Determine Whether Ohio Cities Can Gut Search Warrant Requirement When Homes are For Sale or Rent
High Court Will Determine Whether Ohio Cities Can Gut Search Warrant Requirement When Homes are For Sale or Rent FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2025 North Canton’s crusade for warrants to enter homes based solely on lack of consent from homeowners is unconstitutional....
Class Action Certified Against Cleveland Heights’ Attack on Outside Ownership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2024 Non-local homeowners forced to pay extra earn right to seek refunds. Cleveland, OH – A federal court late yesterday certified a class action lawsuit against the City of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, explaining that homeowners who were...
Ohio Cities Cannot Gut Search Warrant Requirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2023 Ohio Cities Cannot Gut Search Warrant Requirement North Canton’s crusade for warrants to enter homes based solely on lack of consent from homeowners is unconstitutional. Stark County, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law...
Cleveland Heights Attack on Outside Ownership Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2023 Ohio cities may not charge extra assessments to nonresidents who own homes within their limits. Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law this week moved to enjoin the City of Cleveland Heights...
Ohio City Forced to Return $3.3 Million in Unconstitutional Fees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 2022 Cincinnati charged "alarm fees" to homeowners and businesses protecting themselves with security alarms. Cincinnati, OH – The Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas today ordered the City of Cincinnati to return the...
Bill to Criminalize Home-Births and Midwifery: Unlawful and Unwise
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2022 HB 496 would violate the Health Care Freedom Amendment and felonize natural births in Ohio Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law this week intervened to object to any further advancement of HB 496 in...
Milford Airbnb Ban Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2022 Ohio cities unlawfully trample property rights when they criminalize vacation rentals. Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law this week moved to enjoin the City of Milford’s severe new restrictions...
Ohio Court: Cities Can’t Charge “Fees” for Calling Police or Home Defense
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2021 Cincinnati tax on those using home security alarms, whether they call the police or not, violates Due Process, is unconstitutional. Cincinnati, OH – An Ohio Appellate Court this week ruled unconstitutional a City...
Ohio Court: State Mask Mandates Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2021 In Ashland County, ”any further attempt to enforce mask restrictions will result in further restraint of any such attempt.” Ashland, OH – An Ohio Court late Wednesday cast doubt on the lawfulness of the state’s mask mandates,...
Ohio’s Pandemic Reform Bill: Good and Bad
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2021 Ohio General Assembly adopted key 1851 Center recommendations, but other than leveling legal playing field, leaves Governor and ODH unchecked Columbus, OH – In overriding the Ohio Governor’s veto and enacting Senate...
One Year Later, Department of Health – When Under Oath – Still Cannot Justify “Director’s Stay at Home Orders”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2021 Top Ten Takeaways from Government Discovery Responses Columbus, OH – Recent discovery responses provided by the Ohio Department of Health suggest that even after a full year, the Department remains unable to provide evidence...
Akron Federal Court: CDC Eviction Ban Unlawful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2021 Centers for Disease Control has no authority to administratively criminalize removal of tenants who refuse to pay Akron, OH – A federal court on Wednesday determined that the Centers for Disease Control exceeded its limited...
Ohio Court: Health Departments Cannot Suspend Licenses Over Masks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2020 Ashland County Restaurant is protected by Ohio Constitution’s limits on arbitrary administrative action Ashland, OH – In the first attempt within Ohio to suspend a business license for an alleged mask violation, an Ohio Court of...
Health Departments Cannot Suspend Licenses Over Masks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2020 Ohio Restaurants are protected by Ohio Constitution’s limit on arbitrary administrative enactments. Ashland, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today, on behalf of an Ohio restaurant shut down by its local health department...
Ohio Daycares Sue to End Unlawful Pandemic Regulations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 23, 2020 Ohio Dept. of Health has no Constitutional Authority to Overrule State Legislation Protecting Parents, Children, and Daycares Mason, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today filed suit on behalf of 40 daycare centers across...
Another Ohio Court Slams Forced Closures as Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2020 Another Ohio Court Slams Forced Closures as Unconstitutional Statute Health Department relies on is unconstitutional and it has no authority to close businesses or create its own penalties Kalahari wins right to open immediately...
Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kalahari Sue to Open
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 5, 2020 Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kalahari Sue to Open Ohio Dept. of Health has no Constitutional Authority to Keep these Businesses Closed Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today filed suit to enjoin the Ohio Department...
1851 Fights 90 Days in Jail for “Disobedient” Ohio Diner Owner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 27, 2020 1851 Fights 90 Days in Jail for “Disobedient” Ohio Diner Owner 1851 Center Moves to Dismiss Criminal Charges in State’s First Criminal Case for Violating Pandemic Orders Cambridge, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today...
Ohio Court: Forced Closure of Gyms Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2020 Ohio Court: Forced Closure of Gyms Unconstitutional Health Department has no authority to close all business or create its own penalties Painesville, OH – An Ohio Court of Common Pleas Wednesday morning enjoined the Ohio Governor and...
Ohio Gyms Sue Health Department for Right to Exist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2020 Ohio Gyms Sue Health Department for Right to Exist Even in emergencies, the Ohio Constitution protects businesses from vague and discriminatory enactments. Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today, on behalf of 35...
Lawsuit: Ohio Ban on “Non-Essential Business” Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2020 Legal Center: Ohio Ban on “Non-Essential Business” Unconstitutional Without hearings where the State justifies its decisions, the ban violates Due Process Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to enjoin...
Constitutional Rights During the Quarantine
Ohio Department of Health’s Orders may be prudent, but are largely unenforceable Columbus, OH – State and federal constitutions entitle Ohioans to protections, which remain in place even as the state implements seemingly prudent restrictions to combat the COVID-19...
Columbus Historic District Fines Unconstitutional
Ohio cities violate private property rights when they criminalize landscaping and gardening Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has filed an action in federal court on behalf of a Columbus couple threatened with 60 days in jail and fines of $100 per...
Prohibiting Undercover Reporting on Political Campaigns Violates Constitution
Legal Center: Ohio law violates non-profit journalists’ right to investigative and report on political campaigns Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to enjoin an Ohio statute that forbids undercover investigation of political campaigns by...
Federal Court Victory: Forbidding More Than Three People from Living Together Violates Ohio Constitution
Ohio cities violate property rights by using zoning to prohibit more than three unrelated people from living in the same home Bowling Green, OH – A federal court late Friday, agreeing with arguments made by the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, held that an Ohio...
Columbus “Admissions Tax” Will be in Court and on Ballot
1851 Center spearheads legal action to protect citizens from municipal “ticket taxes” on arts and entertainment that force funding of private art Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to protect Ohioans from special city taxes on tickets to...
Ohio Cities Cannot Prohibit Use of Security Alarms
Cincinnati's "alarm tax" violates homeowners’ right to communicate, freedom from double-taxation The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has moved to invalidate a municipal ordinance that forbids homeowners from protecting themselves with a home security alarm unless...
Victory: Ohio Cities’ “Pre-Sale” Home Inspections and Fees Unconstitutional
City of Oakwood violated homeowners Fourth Amendment rights through sweeping city-wide home inspection requirements and must now return in section fees to all affected homeowners February 9, 2018: Dayton, OH - A federal court late yesterday declared unconstitutional...
Forbidding More Than Three People from Living Together Violates Ohio Constitution
Ohio cities violate property rights by prohibiting more than three unrelated people from living in the same home February 5, 2018: Bowling Green, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to strike a municipal ordinance that criminalizes greater than...
Sixth Circuit: State Cannot Inspect Ohioans’ Business Records without Warrant
Fourth Amendment prohibits state’s mandate making all business records “available at all times” to state agents January 22, 2018: Columbus, OH – A federal circuit court late yesterday ruled that Ohio’s policies demanding private business records - - without a warrant...
1851 to Supreme Court: Forced Funding of Unions Violates Free Speech
1851 Center Amicus Brief argues that government employees who aren't union members can't be forced to pay hundreds of dollars per year to unions Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law petitioned the United States Supreme Court to rule in favor of the...
Court: $100 Per Day Fines for Yard Signs Unconstitutional
Ohio city's ban on political yard signs except directly before and after elections violates free speech, property rights August 30, 2017: Toledo, OH - A federal court prohibited an Ohio city from fining citizens who display political yard signs for longer than 67...
Federal Court Approves Class Action on Ohio City’s Illegal Home Inspections
Legal Center: Fees that City's homeowners were forced to pay to fund unconstitutional "point of sale" inspections must now be returned Cleveland, OH - A federal court certified a class action lawsuit against the City of Bedford, Ohio, explaining that all homeowners...
Lower Your Local Tax Bill This Summer
1851 Center teaches citizens how to use local initiatives to place tax cut proposals on the ballot Are you tired of do-nothing politicians but still looking to make a difference in government? Have you recently opened an envelope with an unacceptably-large property...
Court: Ohio Mayor and His Lawyer Must Pay Sanctions to Family They Sued to Silence
Mayor's lawsuit "frivolously" violated local bloggers' right to free speech Cleveland, OH - An Ohio Court ordered Maple Heights, Ohio Mayor Jeffery Lansky and his attorney to pay $9,395 in attorney's fees and costs to internet critics they sued to silence. In 2014,...
Ohio Court: Eminent Domain for Private Pipelines Unconstitutional
Private ethane pipeline to Canada is not a "public use" or "public necessity," as required by Ohio Constitution Ruling will protect property rights of Ohio farmers and other rural property owners Bowling Green, OH - An Ohio court ruled that private pipeline companies...
Taking of Ohioans’ Land for Private Pipeline Unconstitutional
15 families unite and move to dismiss corporation's case attempting to take their land through eminent domain. Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved to dismiss 16 separate eminent domain cases filed in Bowling Green, Ohio by Texas pipeline...
Federal Court: State Cannot Inspect Ohio Businesses Without a Warrant
Fourth Amendment prohibits state mandate to make business records, property, and inventory available to state agents "at all times" and "upon demand" Columbus, OH - A federal court ruled that State Agencies violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against...
Ohio Cities’ Pre-Sale Home Inspections Unconstitutional
Legal Center moves to protect Ohioans' property rights from unlawful searches and fees statewide Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved in federal court to immediately enjoin Ohio cities, and the Cities of Bedford and Oakwood in particular, from...
Top 10 Reasons to Donate to the 1851 Center . . . this Year!
This holiday season, as you're besieged by end of the year fundraising emails, don't overlook Ohio's only charity that consistently defends your constitutional rights and limits government. Here are a few reasons to make room in your budget to contribute to liberty in...
Should Public Officials Be Held Liable for Violating Ohioans’ Rights?
Court considers whether Secretary of State Jon Husted should be required to compensate Ohioans whose First Amendment rights he violated Cincinnati, OH – On Thursday, December 10, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on whether government officials...
Court: Ohioans Have Right to Criticize the Performance of Public Officials
Maple Heights Mayor sued to silence local bloggers for "defamation" and "emotional distress," and violated their right to free speech in doing so Columbus, OH - An Ohio Court late Friday dismissed the case of a Cleveland-area Mayor who sued a local family for "an...
Ohio School District Forced to Return $5.5 Million in Illegal Taxes to Taxpayers
Indian Hill Board of Education raised taxes without a vote, refused to refund money Cincinnati, OH - After a five-plus year legal battle concluded with an Ohio Court denying all of its objections, the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District Board of Education...
Ohio Court: Cities Cannot Immediately Seize Private Property When Not For Roads
Court's ruling places important limits on "quick-take" eminent domain power Columbus, OH - An Ohio Court ruled that the City of Perrysburg's attempt to immediately seize the land of eleven local homeowners exceeds its power, given the Ohio Constitution's protection of...
Ohioans Beware: State Issue 2
Proposed Constitutional Amendment would prohibit tax reform without stopping monopolies or marijuana legalization as promised Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law took action to clarify for Ohioans State Issue 2, which will appear on the November 3,...
Ohio Cities May Not Immediately Seize Rural Township Properties
Eminent Domain Abuse Continues as Cities Attempt to Seize Land Beyond Their Borders, Overuse "Quick-Take" Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has moved to counter the aggressive legal tactics taken by the City of Perrysburg, Ohio to immediately seize...
Federal Court: Cities’ Rental Licensing and Inspection Requirements Unconstitutional
Fourth Amendment secures property rights of landlords from unlawful searches and occupational licensing regulations in Ohio and nationwide Columbus, OH – The Southern District of Ohio ruled that the City of Portsmouth’s occupational licensing requirements imposed upon...
Update: Amish Daughter Healthy Despite Health Care “Experts”
I visited the home of Andy and Anna Hershberger to deliver the good news that the Medina County Probate Court had at long last formally terminated the guardianship it had created over their now 12-year-old daughter, Sarah. A government hospital, Akron Children's...
Proposed Amendment Will Strengthen Ohio’s Term Limits on Legislators
Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law secured the approval necessary for a coalition of good government advocates to begin the circulation of a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit state legislators to no more than eight years in each...
Obamacare in Ohio: Outcome of Wednesday’s Supreme Court Argument Will Be Pivotal
Columbus, OH - On Wednesday March 4, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear its latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act - - this time a challenge to how the President and the IRS are enforcing the law. If that challenge prevails, both the ACA's employer mandate and tax...
Private Pipeline Companies May Not Immediately Seize Ohioans’ Properties
Rampant Eminent Domain Abuse Continues Throughout Rural Ohio; However, Ohioans Have Legal Defenses Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved to counter the aggressive legal actions taken by Texas Eastern Transmission, a private Texas pipeline...
Ohio High Court Rebukes School District Tax Increase
Taxpayers cheated by Indian Hill School District's "Inside Millage Move", by raising taxes without public vote Cincinnati - Indian Hill School District's property tax increase without voter permission violated state law, according to unanimous ruling from the Supreme...
Ohio Mayor Sues Husband and Wife for $25,000 for Criticizing His Performance
Maple Heights Mayor sues to silence local bloggers for "defamation" and "emotional distress," violating their right to free speech; 1851 files countersuit Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Mayor of Maple...
Two Ohio Supreme Court Justices Rule for Top Donors Over 88 Percent of the Time
Justice French ruled for Constitutionally Limited Government in Zero of Eight Critical Cases, Justice Kennedy in Five of Eight Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law shared research previously prepared for various citizen groups demonstrating that (1)...
Legal Centers to U.S. Supreme Court: Declare Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Licensing Scheme Unconstitutional
Act regulates business in response to constitutionally-protected advertising, and prohibits legitimate purchases of gold and silver, but Sixth Circuit bungled ruling Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law and the Pacific Legal Foundation petitioned the...
Ohio Supreme Court Argument: Can School Districts Raise Your Taxes Without a Vote?
1851 Center argues that Indian Hill School District violated state law by raising property taxes without a vote, while already running huge budget surpluses and maintaining extravagant cash on hand Columbus, OH - The Supreme Court of Ohio on Tuesday heard oral...
Legal Center to High Court: Cleveland-Area Stormwater Tax Unconstitutional
Northeast Ohio Sewer District tax on "impervious surfaces" is without legislative authorization, and is a property tax without the required voter approval Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court its Merit Brief...
Supreme Court Argument: Are Ohio’s Political Speech Regulations Constitutional?
1851 Center amicus brief maintains that political class uses elections commission and its regulations to attack grass-roots citizen activity Columbus, OH - The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Susan B. Anthony List v. Driehaus - whether Ohioans can...
Ohio Cities’ Rental Licensing and Inspection Requirements Unconstitutional
Legal Center moves to protect property rights of landlords from unlawful searches and licensing regulations in Mt. Healthy, Ohio Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved in federal court to immediately enjoin Ohio municipalities, and the City of Mt....
Legal Center to High Court: Traffic Cameras Unconstitutional in Ohio
Toledo's enforcement scheme for enforcing traffic camera infractions violates Ohio Constitution Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court its brief in Walker v. City of Toledo asserting that the City of Toledo's method...
Teachers Union Places 1851 on “Enemies” List
1851 Center responds to unearthed Ohio Education Association "Agenda." Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law issued the following response to news that Ohio's largest teachers union, the Ohio Education Association, has named it to its "enemies" list:...
Victory for Parental Rights: State Agrees to End Stand-Off with Amish Family over Forced Health Care
Official who had sought to take family's daughter from home and force chemotherapy on her, despite parent's earnest objections and Health Care Freedom Amendment, resigns as guardian Family will continue to pursue alternative treatment Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center...
State’s Forced Chemotherapy on Amish Child Violates Parental Rights, Health Care Freedom Amendment
State sues to take Amish family’s daughter and force chemo on her after chemo nearly kills her and family chooses different treatment option
amishColumbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today began representation of Andy and Anna Hershberger, parents of Sarah Hershberger, a ten year old Amish girl upon whom the State of Ohio, through Akron Children’s Hospital, seeks to force an unnecessary and potentially-deadly form of chemotherapy.
Federal Court: SB 47 Restrictions on Petition Circulation Unconstitutional
Key features of Senate Bill 47 "reform" violate First Amendment speech and associational rights of Ohioans, restrict free trade Columbus, OH – A federal court enjoined the state from enforcing Senate Bill 47's new limits on Ohioans' Initiative and Referendum rights....
Lawsuit: Ohio’s Attempted Medicaid Expansion Unlawful
Governor's end-run around the Ohio General Assembly violates the separation of powers, Controlling Board's vote impermissibly contradicts General Assembly intent Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law late yesterday moved in the Ohio Supreme Court, on...
Sixth Circuit Oral Argument: Is Ohio’s “Precious Metals Dealer Act” Constitutional?
Court considers whether to protect Ohio business owners' right to advertise and sustain invalidation of burdensome regulation of coin dealers Cincinnati, OH - The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of the Ohio Precious Metal...
Legal Center Moves to Protect Ohioans’ Initiative and Referendum Rights from Legislative Suppression
Key features of Senate Bill 47 "reform" violate Ohio Constitution and First Amendment speech and associational rights, restrict free trade Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved in federal court to immediately enjoin the state from enforcing...
Bill Authorizing Warrantless Searches of Ohioans’ Cell Phone Activity Derailed
Stalled in Committee after 1851 Testimony, Bill would permit sharing of "any information" to law enforcement, if not amended Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law took action that stalled passage of Senate Bill 5, legislation that, if enacted, would...
U.S. Supreme Court Petitioned to Review Ohio PAC Laws
1851 Center asks United States Supreme Court to review Ohio Political Action Committee regulations on behalf of Geauga County blogger's First Amendment rights Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, in cooperation with the Washington D.C.-based Center...
IRS Targeting of 1851 Center in May of 2010 Demonstrates Broader Corruption
IRS harassment was not limited to "tea party" organizations, and began earlier than many believe Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today emphasized that Internal Revenue Service harassment of groups advocating for limited government extends as far...
Banning Internet Cafes to Benefit Casinos: Unconstitutional and Inadvisable
Attacking politically weak small businesses at behest of influential larger businesses is wrong way for Republicans to begin new legislative session Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today emphasized to Ohio's state senators and representatives...
High Court Will Determine Ohioans Right to Challenge JobsOhio
1851 Center argues that state taxpayers maintain standing to challenge the constitutionality of Corporate Welfare Columbus, OH - The Supreme Court of Ohio heard arguments on January 23 to determine the extent to which Ohioans may take legal action to force state...
Eminent Domain Abuse Continuing Along Ohio Pipeline Route
1851 Center stops abuse in Licking County, offers free assistance to property owners threatened with taking of property by private pipeline corporation Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today condemned a private pipeline corporation's continued...
Ohio Constitution Prohibits Legislators from Enacting State Insurance Mandates
Legal center advises Ohio legislators that mandating health treatments and benefits violates Ohio's Health Care Freedom Amendment Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today emphasized to Ohio's state senators and representatives that the Ohio Health...
Charitable Donations
Our clients receive free legal representation thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you support our efforts to advance liberty and limit government, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law. Use our Paypal...
Federal Court: Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Licensing Scheme Unconstitutional
Act regulates business in response to constitutionally-protected advertising, and prohibits legitimate purchases of gold and silver Columbus, OH – A federal court late yesterday ruled that Ohio’s regulatory scheme governing those purchasing gold, silver, and other...
Legal Center to High Court: Ohio PAC Laws Violate First Amendment
1851 Center asks Ohio Supreme Court to review Ohio Political Action Committee regulations on behalf of Geauga County Blogger Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today applied to the Supreme Court of Ohio for jurisdiction over a case challenging the...
1851 Center Applauds Kasich Agreement on Obamacare Exchange
Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today registered its approval, on behalf of conservative and libertarian leaders throughout Ohio, of the Kasich Administration's agreement to refuse to implement a "state-run" Obamacare exchange. The...
Legal Center Move to Protect Rights of Ohio Gold and Silver Dealers to do Business
Regulations prohibit advertising and impose warrantless searches Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved in federal court to immediately enjoin the state from enforcing the “Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Act,” against Ohio coin dealers...
Federal Court: University of Cincinnati Speech Restrictions on Students Permanently Enjoined
Students supporting “right to work” amendment cannot be arrested for discussing amendment and gathering signatures on campus Cincinnati, OH – A federal court today permanently enjoined the University of Cincinnati’s blanket prohibition on student political speech on...
Ohio Candidates Can’t Hide Behind Anti-Tax-Pledge Statute
To hold their elected officials accountable, a conglomerate of conservative, libertarian, and tea-party groups representing Ohio taxpayers have recently devised two pledges for state legislative candidates. These pledges are directed toward educating Ohio voters as to...
Petitions Submitted to Place Repeal of Westerville School Levy Tax on November Ballot
Columbus, OH – Proponents today delivered over 5,100 signatures to the Franklin County Board of Elections to place an effective repeal of the March school levy tax increase on the November ballot. So long as 3,585 of these signatures are declared valid, the initiative...
Enforceability of Ohio Constitution at Stake in Standing Dispute over JobsOhio
1851 Center supports Progress Ohio's standing to challenge the constitutionality of JobsOhio Columbus, OH - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court a "friend of the court" brief asserting that Progress Ohio and other...
Federal Court Enjoins Shaker Heights from Blocking Message of Tax-Increase Opponents
Cleveland, OH - A federal court enjoined the City of Shaker Heights from further harassment of Shaker Heights residents city officials silenced through threat of a frivolous trademark lawsuit. The threat had come in retaliation for the citizens' opposition to the City...
Legal Center: Shaker Heights Threats to Tax-Increase Opponents Unconstitutional
Cleveland, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today filed suit in federal court on behalf of Shaker Heights residents whom city officials threaten to silence through threat of a frivolous trademark lawsuit. The threat comes in retaliation for the citizens’...
Obamacare: The Way Forward in Ohio
Friends, You, like me, were no doubt inundated with punditry on the fallout of the Obamacare ruling last Thursday and Friday. We didn't follow suit. I did not found the 1851 Center to gab. We exist to advance liberty and limit government, whether we're taking the...
Federal Court: University of Cincinnati Speech Restrictions on Students Unconstitutional
Students supporting "right to work" amendment cannot be arrested for discussing amendment and gathering signatures on campus Cincinnati, OH - A federal court today ruled that the University of Cincinnati's blanket prohibition on student political speech on campus...
High Court Rebukes Attack on Cincinnati Charter Schools
CPS Deed Restrictions Against Charter and Private Schools Illegal, Cincinnati Charter Schools to Remain Open Columbus - Cincinnati Public Schools' (CPS) policy of prohibiting the sale of unused available public school buildings to charter schools and private schools...
Westerville Taxpayers Move to Repeal March Tax Increase
On May 7, 2012 taxpayers for Westerville Schools, with the representation of the 1851 Center,commenced circulation of an initiative petition to repeal the 6.71 mil tax increase narrowly approved in March after taxpayers defeated a similar measure at the November 2011...
Center Participates in Civil Rights Forum
On April 4, 2012, The 1851 Center participated in an event conducted by The Ohio Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. The forum was aimed at investigating barriers to economic development in the state of Ohio and was conducted at...
1851 Center Efforts cited in Missouri News Horizon
On March 12, 2012, The Missouri News Horizon wrote about the economic damage caused by Kansas's ban on smoking in bars. The article details the hardships placed on small business owners and cites the efforts of the 1851 Center. Read the full article here.
Is an Obamacare Exchange Legal in Ohio?
This 1851 Center analysis explains how the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment, Section 21 of Ohio's Bill of Rights, forbids Ohio officials from imposing Obamacare health care exchanges on Ohioans. The document also explores reasons that such exchanges are an...
Legal Centers Move to Protect Rights of University of Cincinnati Students to Petition for Workplace Freedom on Campus
On February 22, 2012, The 1851 Center filed suit in federal court on behalf of UC students prohibited from gathering signatures and simultaneously discussing the Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment with their fellow students. The legal action, which includes a demand for...
Defending School Choice
Healthcare Freedom Amendment Discussion
Maurice Thompson discussed Issue 3 (The Ohio Healthcare Freedom Amendment) with Empower U, which is an initiative of several Tea Party groups, built to help educate people about limited government and fiscal responsibility.
Ohioans Submit Brief to U.S. Supreme Court Challenging Constitutionality of Individual Mandate
The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has submitted to the United States Supreme Court a “friend of the court” brief asserting that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate is unconstitutional. The brief highlights for the High Court...
Center Provides A Guide to Reducing Your School District Tax Burden
Ohio school districts continue to surrender to political pressure at the collective bargaining table, failing to curtail school employees’ lucrative compensation packages. And while this undisciplined spending could manifest itself in the form of reasonable lay-offs...
Workplace Freedom Amendment
Press conference for the unveiling of the Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment, an effort to place a constitutional amendment before voters to make Ohio a Right to Work state.
Ten Principles Vital to Engaging in Civic Duty
1851 Center Executive Director Maurice Thompson discusses "Ten Principles" of civic involvement during a forum at the LC Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio.
Healthcare Freedom Amendment Discussion
Watch the latest video at video.insider.foxnews.com
Workplace Freedom Amendment Videos
Issue 2 Debate
Here, management-side labor attorney Gary Greenberg and union counsel Stephen Lazarus debate the legal impact of Senate Bill 5 at a forum hosted by the Columbus Chapter of the Federalist Society and the 1851 Center.
Freedomwatch Appearance
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News' Freedom Watch Live at OSU.
OSU Federalist Society Address
Maurice Thompson addresses smoking bans, state constitutional law and private property rights during a presentation to the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Federalist Society on January 13, 2011.
NPR Debate
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson debates liberal academics and activists on the significance of the nation’s guiding document on National Public Radio’s “To the Point” program. Thompson argues the Constitution is a binding contact...
Workplace Freedom Amendment Petitions Being Circulated for Inclusion on the 2012 Ballot
The Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment, which would “guarantee the freedom of Ohioans to choose whether to participate in a labor organization as a condition of employment,” will appear on the November 2012 ballot if 386,000 signatures are submitted by early July. ...
First Bar Loses Liquor License Over Smoking Ban Fines
In a continuing effort to get bars, restaurants and private clubs to pay fines they owe from the state smoking ban, the state has started to pull the liquor licenses of bars that owe money.
Ohio Tax Day
This is the Columbus Ohio Tax Day 2010 Tea Party.
Smoking Ban Moves To Court
A smoking ban case involving Zeno's now goes before the Supreme Court.
The Health Care Mandate: Is it Constitutional?
The Columbus Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society presents a discussion on the federal health care mandate at the Columbus Athletic Club on July 10, 2010.
Watchdog Red Light Camera Law ‘Fundamentally Flawed’
Thompson discusses the red light camera law in a story for WBNS and ONN News.
Ohio AG Certifies 1851’s Health Care Amendment Language
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray certifies constitutional amendment language drafted by the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law on behalf of the Ohio Liberty Council as fair and truthful. The amendment seeks to block implementation of federal health care mandates.
Maurice Thompson on ONN’s Capitol Square
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson discusses the Ohio Liberty Council's state constitutional amendment aimed at blocking implementation of the national health care reform law in Ohio. This is the first of two videos.
Maurice Thompson on ONN’s Capitol Square
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson discusses the Ohio Liberty Council's state constitutional amendment aimed at blocking implementation of the national health care reform law in Ohio. This is the second of two videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups' proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is...
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups' proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is...
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups' proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is...
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups' proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is...
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups' proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is...
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups' proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is...
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the first of four videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the second of four videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the third of four videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the fourth of four videos.
How Ohio Can Fight National Health Care
In this video Maurice Thompson of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law explains why the proposed federal health care bills are problematic from a utilitarian, moral, and constitutional perspective. In part two Maurice will talk about how Ohio can fight the mandates....
How Ohio Can Fight National Health Care
Maurice Thompson of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law explains how Ohio can fight unconstitutional health care mandates using the Ohio constitution. This is the second of two videos.
Thompson Discusses the Smoking Ban
Maurice Thompson, legal counsel and director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, discusses a Franklin County judge's decision in favor of the Columbus-area bar Zeno's, which had been cited with $30,000-plus in fines for breaking the statewide smoking ban. This...
Thompson Discusses the Smoking Ban
Maurice Thompson, legal counsel and director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, discusses a Franklin County judge's decision in favor of the Columbus-area bar Zeno's, which had been cited with $30,000-plus in fines for breaking the statewide smoking ban. This...
Thompson Discusses the Smoking Ban
Maurice Thompson, legal counsel and director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, discusses a Franklin County judge's decision in favor of the Columbus-area bar Zeno's, which had been cited with $30,000-plus in fines for breaking the statewide smoking ban. This...
Thompson Discusses the Smoking Ban
Maurice Thompson, legal counsel and director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, discusses a Franklin County judge's decision in favor of the Columbus-area bar Zeno's, which had been cited with $30,000-plus in fines for breaking the statewide smoking ban. This...
Ohio Issue 2 Town Hall Forum
View the opening statement delivered by Maurice Thompson on October 19, 2009 during the Ohio Issue 2 town hall forum.
The Stowers Tell Their Story
Jacqueline and John Stowers talk about their lives before and after a police raid of their home in LaGrange, Ohio in an interview with Maurice Thompson.
Ohio Voters Approve Health Care Freedom Amendment
On Nov. 8, 2011, Ohio voters voiced their strong opposition to overbearing and invasive health care mandates by passing the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment with 66% of the vote. Drafted by the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, the amendment preserves the freedom...
Manna Storehouse appeals to the Ohio Supreme Court
On July 21, 2011, Manna Storehouse and the Stowers family, notoriously raided by a Health and Agriculture Department-led SWAT team for not maintaining a "retail food establishment" in operating their small, private-membership organic food cooperative in LaGrange,...
Corsi v. Ohio Elections Commission
In an apparent retaliatory action against an outspoken critic, the Geauga County Board of Elections charged independent blogger Ed Corsi with violating campaign finance laws. The elections board forwarded a complaint to the Ohio Elections Commission (OEC), where Corsi...
Signatures Submitted to Place Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment on November Ballot
Columbus, OH – Supporters today will deliver more than 546,000 signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State to place the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment on the November ballot. The amendment would add a 21st Section to Ohio’s Bill of Rights “to preserve the freedom...
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Right of Individuals to Challenge Federal Laws Interfering with State Sovereignty
In Bond v. United States, the Supreme Court held that private individuals - not only the states - had standing to challenge federal laws as violating state sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment. In this case, a woman had been criminally prosecuted by the federal...
U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Public Financing of Elections
In Arizona Free Enterprise Club v. Bennett, the Supreme Court of the United States continued its strong record of supporting political speech against governmental interference. The Court held Arizona's system of using public funds to selectively fund campaigns...
Ohio Elections Commission: “We’re all PACs now.” 1851 Center Challenging Constitutionality of Ohio Campaign Finance Law
On June 24, the 1851 Center filed a notice of appeal in the case of Ed Corsi, a political blogger and pamphleteer who distributed materials critical of his local elected officials. After one of those same officials sought prosecution of Mr. Corsi, the Ohio Elections...
Gongwer: Tea Party Sues Municipal, Township Groups in Supreme Court Over Public Records
Tea Party Sues Municipal, Township Groups in Supreme Court Over Public Records Opponents of the estate tax and government spending growth said Thursday they are asking the Ohio Supreme Court to declare that two groups of township and city officials are "the functional...
1851 Center Files Action to Expose Government Lobbying Records
Organizations Comprised of Local Governments Refuse to Disclose Lobbying Activity on Estate Tax and Government Spending Columbus--The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, on behalf of Relators Dayton Tea Party and Robert Scott, yesterday filed in the Ohio Supreme Court...
Dayton Tea Party v. Ohio Municipal League
Exposing Government Lobbying Records On June 2, 2011, The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, on behalf of Relators Dayton Tea Party and Robert Scott, filed a Public Records Complaint in the Ohio Supreme Court demanding Ohio Municipal League (OML) and Ohio Township...
Update: Estate Tax Repeal Signed into Law, Expires January 1, 2013
The legislature has passed a state budget that includes the repeal of Ohio's Estate Tax. Special thanks to the team at http://www.endohioestatetax.com/ for their leadership in accomplishing a feat that no liberty group before them had accomplished: the elimination...
High Court Reviewing Smoking Ban Constitutionality
On April 6, 2011, The Supreme Court of Ohio agreed to become the first state supreme court in the nation to determine whether a statewide smoking ban violates bar owners' property rights. The Court also agreed to review whether the Ohio Department of Health has...
Jackson v. Bartec
This case is brought on behalf of Zeno’s Victorian Village, a family-owned Columbus tavern. The Center argues the smoking ban unconstitutionally deprives business owners of fundamental property rights. It also argues that the state health officials’ methods while...
Victory: “1851 Center Amendment” added to Senate Bill 5
Government employees would no longer have to "opt out" of making political contributions to unions, state government will no longer transfer political contributions to unions. The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday amended Senate Bill 5 to include the "1851...
Ohio Supreme Court Reviewing Whether Ohio Public Policy Favors School Choice, Prevents Cincinnati from Shutting Down Charter and Private Schools
Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Cincinnati Public Schools v. Conners on February 7, 2011. To view oral arguments, click here. In this critical matter, the 1851 Center represents Dr. Roger Conners, operator of Theodore Roosevelt Public Charter School, a...
Cincinnati Public Schools v. Conners
Cincinnati Public Schools has a policy of prohibiting the use of vacant public school buildings by charter schools and private schools. Historical Overview Theodore Roosevelt School, in Cincinnati, had purchased an unused school building located in the Fairmount...
New Publication on Public Employee Union Payroll Deductions for Campaign Contributions
On February 22, the 1851 Center released The Path Remains Clear for Ohio’s New Legislators to Separate Government Employment from Public Employee Union Politics, a Constitutional Viewpoint on automated payroll deductions for political contributions, a service provided...
Oleksa v. Murray
In October of 2010, Mansfield-area taxpayers filed an Ohio Corrupt Activities Act complaint against Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) Executive Director Richard Murray, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and others....
Legal Center Asks High Court to Accept Smoking Ban Challenge
1851 Center Files Jurisdictional Motion with Ohio Supreme Court COLUMBUS - The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, a public interest law firm, yesterday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to make a final determination on the legality of Ohio's state smoking ban, and its...
Columbus Dispatch: Conservatives’ suit alleges Strickland favored unions
Contracts to build schools at heart of corruption claim Friday, October 15, 2010 02:55 AM By Darrel Rowland THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH A conservative group sued Gov. Ted Strickland, his chief of staff, the Ohio School Facilities Commission and others yesterday, alleging...
Gannett News Central Ohio:Lawsuit claims Strickland, Ohio School Facilities Commission engaged in corrupt activity
By LINDA MARTZ • CentralOhio.com • October 15, 2010 MANSFIELD -- Six Richland County residents filed a lawsuit through a Columbus-based conservative group Thursday, claiming Gov. Ted Strickland and the Ohio School Facilities Commission engaged in corrupt activity by...
AP: Suit against Ohio governor alleges favoritism
October 15, 2010 3:35 PM ET COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A libertarian legal center has sued Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, key aides and a labor union alleging they engaged in a pattern of corrupt activity regarding school construction contracts. The 1851 Center for...
Ohio RICO Complaint Filed to Stop School Construction Corruption
1851 Center Lawsuit alleges Strickland administration and OSFC placed union financial interests and remaining in office above fiscal responsibility in building schools. COLUMBUS – Tax dollars have been wasted and continue to be at risk due to an unlawfully cozy...
Victory: Gahanna Backs Down on High-Risk Loan Fund
October 18, 2010 - Taxpayer Victory: Gahanna Indefinitely Postpones Ill-Advised $375K High-Risk Venture Capital Loan Fund Gahanna City Council indefinitely postponed a vote authorizing a city-backed $375,000 high-risk venture capital loan fund after the 1851 Center...
Merrill v. State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources
September 14, 2011 - Ohio Supreme Court Protects Property Rights The court held that the State of Ohio extends to the natural shoreline, which is "the line at which the water usually stands when free from disturbing causes." The court reiterated its role as a...
Federal Court Upholds Andover Township Residents’ Constitutional Rights
1851 Center Wins Injunction Against Andover Township Officials Who Blocked Constitution Day Rally (COLUMBUS) Wednesday a federal court granted the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law a temporary injunction against Andover Township in Ashtabula County. The ruling is a...
Slingluff v. Andover Twp.
The First Amendment clearly protects the right to gather on the public square, speak out in support of limited constitutional government, and critique the current state of affairs. The government's action in this case, ironically, demonstrates the need for greater...
Is the Individual Mandate Unprecedented?
Back in March, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray announced that Ohio would not be joining other state lawsuits against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the federal healthcare law) because the suits did not “have any legal merit whatsoever.” He based...
Where is the State of Ohio in the Fight against Obamacare?
According to a March 2010 press release issued by Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, our state will not be joining other state lawsuits against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the official name of the federal health care law) because the suits do...
COUNTY ELECTIONS BOARD FILES OEC COMPLAINT AGAINST BLOGGER WHO TARGETS ‘RINOS’
Thursday, August 5, 2010 A non-profit legal advocacy firm is asking the Ohio Elections Commission to dismiss a complaint from a county elections board that contends a blogger violated campaign finance laws with postings that, among other things, target "RINOs" -...
(WBNS 10TV) Watchdog: Red Light Camera Law ‘Fundamentally Flawed’
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 6:00 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio — Some critics on Tuesday said that the city's controversial red light camera program is fundamentally flawed and could be challenged in court. The city said that the red light camera program is about safety, but 10...
Judge sets charter school precedent
Public districts can no longer stop competitors from moving in to old buildings BY KIMBALL PERRY • Cincinnati Enquirer • June 1, 2010 CINCINNATI -- For the first time, a Hamilton County judge has allowed an exclusive exception to property deed restrictions that could...
Court: Cincinnati Public Schools Violated State Law
Judge Rules CPS Deed Restrictions Against Charter and Private Schools Illegal Columbus - Cincinnati Public Schools' (CPS) policy of prohibiting the sale of unused available public school buildings to charter schools and private schools violates state law, yesterday...
Cincinnati Public Schools Forfeit State Construction Funding, State Legislator Says
1851 Center Sued CPS Over Handling of Charter Schools Columbus - State Representative Kris Jordan, a member of the Ohio School Facilities Commission, yesterday notified commission director Richard Murray that Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) has forfeited its statutory...
Ohio Department of Commerce v. 770 West Broad AGA, LLC
770 West Broad AGA, a private contractor, entered into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Commerce to provide work space for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Under the lease terms, AGA made several improvements to the property at its own...
Maurice Thompson talks smoking bans on Detroit’s WJR-AM
With Michigan's recently enacted smoking ban about to go into effect, Frank Beckmann of WJR-AM Detroit spoke with 1851 Center Executive Director Maurice Thompson about his successful efforts challenging Ohio's smoking ban. Listen to the interview here: Interview Read...
Stand up to collectivist government: Maurice Thompson addresses the Columbus Tea Party
On Thursday, April 15, 1851 Center Executive Director Maurice Thompson addressed a crowd of over 3,000 activists at the Columbus Tea Party's Tax Day Rally. He urged them to stand up to paternalistic - we know best - government. Thompson believes taxpayers should be...
Ohio Liberty Council v. Brunner
On March 22, 2010, the Ohio Liberty Council began the process of the placing a health care freedom constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot. The group filed petition summary language and nearly 3,000 signatures from registered voters in 48 counties with...
Maurice Thompson w/ WTVN’s Bob Conners on health care admendment
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson and 610 WTVN's Bob Conners discuss the Ohio Liberty Council's effort to block new federal health care mandates through a constitutional amendment. The amendment language was drafted by the 1851...
SpeechNow.org v. FEC
On September 1, 2009, the 1851 Center filed an amicus brief defending the First Amendment rights of SpeechNow.org in its legal battle with the Federal Elections Commission. The FEC viewed the non-profit much like a political action committee or PAC. The 1851 Center’s...
Health Care Freedom Amendment
Ohio's Healthcare Freedom Amendment - Historical Overview Twenty-six state legislatures have introduced bills to propose constitutional amendments to block the individual mandates contained in the new federal regulations, according to the National Conference of...
AP: ACORN gives up Ohio business license, won’t return
By JULIE CARR SMYTH (AP) Thursday, March 11, 2010 COLUMBUS, Ohio — The community organizing group ACORN has agreed to give up its Ohio business license and not return under another name, as it has in other states, under a settlement struck with a libertarian center...
Miller v. ACORN
In October 2008, the 1851 Center sued ACORN regarding its activities in Ohio. The action alleged ACORN engaged in a pattern of corrupt activity that amounted to organized crime due to its perpetual submission of fraudulent voter registrations in Ohio. The Center...
Drees Company v. Hamilton Township
Ohio Townships do not have the power to levy taxes. That's why they call them "fees." This case argues that "fees" on new homeowners and developers are really taxes and are unconstitutional. Timeline February 14, 2011 - 1851 Center Files Amicus Brief at Ohio Supreme...
Protecting Health Freedom
The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law drafted petition language aimed a fighting pending national health care regulations. Read the amendment news release and watch the news conference here. Download the petition here. Visit the Ohio Liberty Council for more...
Moto Verde and the Village of Fairfax
In July 2009, the 1851 Center advised the Village of Fairfax, an enclave in the city of Cincinnati, that it had violated the constitutional rights of Moto Verde. Moto Verde is a motor scooter shop, but the village had classified it as an automobile dealership, refused...
A challenge to Ohio’s Mortgage Modification Bill
In March 2009, the 1851 Center submitted written and oral testimony to the Ohio General Assembly on House Bill 3, a bill that would allow Ohio’s trial judges to rewrite the terms of mortgage contracts. The Center’s testimony made it clear that HB 3 was an...
Pour House Inc., v. Ohio Department of Health
A victory came on October 19, 2009 for Ohio bars and restaurants facing fines for breaking the state smoking ban. Up to that point, enforcement methods essentially required small businesses to enforce the smoking ban for the government. The 1851 Center points out that...
Manna Storehouse v. Ohio Department of Agriculture
On the morning of December 1, 2008, law enforcement officers forcefully entered the Stowers' residence, without first announcing they were police or stating the purpose of the visit. With guns drawn, officers swiftly and immediately moved to the upstairs of the home,...
Victory: Ohio Estate Tax Repealed
The legislature has passed a state budget that includes the repeal of Ohio’s Estate Tax. Special thanks to the team at http://www.endohioestatetax.com/ for their leadership in accomplishing a feat that no liberty group before them had accomplished: the elimination...
Case Suggestions
If you have a case suggestion or if you believe your constitutional rights have been violated by the government please contact mthompson@buckeyeinstitute.org.
LetOhioVote.org v. Brunner
August 3, 2009: 1851 Center Files Amicus In Supreme Court Slots Case The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law filed an amicus brief in LetOhioVote.org v. Brunner with the Ohio Supreme Court. This filing supports a public vote on video slot machines at Ohio horse race...
COAST v. City of Cincinnati
In May 2009, the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law filed, in Federal Court, a motion to restrain the City of Cincinnati and its agents from harassing citizens who are demanding that the City put its $200 million trolley project to a vote. The Motion argues the City...
Ohio Grocer’s Association v. Wilkins
In May 2009, the 1851 Center filed an amicus brief in Ohio Grocers Association v. Wilkins. The brief argues that Ohio’s Commercial Activities Tax is an unconstitutional excise tax on food. It is levied on Ohio grocers based on the amount of food they sell and grocers...
Toledo Planning Commission and Private Schools
In December 2008, the 1851 Center issued a legal notice to the Toledo City Council and the Toledo Planning Commission advising that, if the City passed an ordinance applying “Minimum School Facilities Requirements” to private schools, the 1851 Center would pursue...