Washington

Since opening in May 2003, the Institute for Justice Washington Chapter has remained committed to bringing liberty to the west coast by vindicating fundamental constitutional rights such as economic liberty, school choice, property rights and free speech.

In a lawsuit that garnered nationwide attention, IJ-WA won a unanimous First Amendment decision at the Washington Supreme Court. The case involved an attempt by the government to force an initiative campaign to count on-air commentary by radio talk show hosts as campaign contributions subject to stiff regulations.

IJ-WA also achieved victory for bagel entrepreneur Dennis Ballen when the Ninth Circuit struck down efforts by the city of Redmond to restrict the ability of small businesses like Ballen’s from using portable signs to advertise. The chapter also successfully represented small entrepreneurs in their efforts to open up the local bed and breakfast and hairbraiding industries.

In addition, the Washington Chapter has been busy changing the policy landscape throughout the Evergreen State. IJ-WA attorneys regularly testify before the Washington legislature on free speech and eminent domain issues and have authored policy briefs on the obstacles faced by small entrepreneurs in Seattle as well as how Washington law permits the state and local governments to abuse eminent domain.

IJ-WA seeks to establish a rule of law under which Washingtonians can control their own destinies as free and responsible individuals, thus preserving the liberty guaranteed by the Washington State Constitution.