 |
| Legal |
 |
2008 Democratic National Convention |
 |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT REQUESTING
DNC-RELATED LEGAL ASSISTANCE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ACLU of Colorado has been actively working to protect civil rights and civil liberties during the time of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver from August 24-28, 2008.
The ACLU of Colorado’s efforts have included litigation, advocacy, and public education regarding the first amendment rights to freedom of expression, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government. The ACLU’s advocacy has also focused on issues related to police practices and the treatment and processing of persons who might be arrested during the DNC.
This page provides links to the ACLU of Colorado’s various litigation, advocacy and public education efforts related to the DNC.
Planning on participating in the Democratic National Convention? Here are some key resources to make sure you Know Your Rights!
New! On Wednesday, August 27, Staff Attorney Taylor Pendergrass sent a letter to Denver officials detailing concerns about the mass arrests that took place near Denver's Civic Center Park on August 25.
Know Your Rights handbook (7MB) Here is the new informative guide to your rights under the United States and Colorado constitutions. From searches and warrants to free speech and assembly, be sure to know your rights when encountering law enforcement. Too big a file? Try our web-only version (1MB)
In the News: Check in here for the latest media coverage
Litigation
-
ACLU v. LaCabe, Case No. 08-CV-4517, Denver District Court
Lawsuit under Colorado open records laws seeking an order that Denver disclose records related to budgeting for and purchase of police equipment intended for use at the DNC, such as “less lethal” weapons.
Rocky Mt. News editorial sides w/ ACLU
-
ACLU v. LaCabe, Case No. 08-CV-4231, Denver District Court
Lawsuit under Colorado open records laws seeking disclosure of policies and procedures for Denver’s city jail.
- ACLU v. City and County of Denver, Case No. 08-CV-00910, United States District Court, District of Colorado
Lawsuit filed against Denver and the United States Secret Service on behalf of twelve national and local advocacy organizations seeking to protect the First Amendment rights of individual and organizations that wish to express their views about issues of public concern during the time of DNC.
Advocacy
- Letter to Denver Director of Corrections and Manager of Safety,
Aug. 27, 2008
Details concerns surrounding the mass arrests of protesters and bystanders that took place in downtown Devner on August 25.
- Letter to Denver Police Deputy Chief John Lamb, Aug. 25, 2008
Details concerns about obscured names and badge numbers on officers' uniforms.
- Letter to Denver Director of Corrections and Manager of Safety,
Aug. 6, 2008
Inquires about the rights of detainees at the temporary detention facility for the DNC.
- Letter to Denver County Court Judges Breese & Armatas (April 28, 2008) Details potential risks to the health, safety, and constitutional rights of arrestees if mass custodial arrests overload the personnel and staffing infrastructure of the courts and the city jail during the DNC.
- Letter to Denver Deputy Chief Michael Battista & Mayoral Advisor Katherine Archuleta, February 5, 2008
Asks City officials to disclose which normally public areas may be closed to the public during the Democratic Convention and explains the reasons why early disclosure is necessary
- Denver Parks and Parade Permitting Ordinances
Months-long advocacy effort resulting in changes to Denver’s proposed revisions to its ordinances governing permits for assemblies in public parks and demonstrations on city streets
- Letter to Manager of Safety Al LaCabe, Denver Police Department Deputy Chief Michael Battista, and Mayoral Advisor Katherine Archuleta (October 23, 2007)
Questioning whether Denver authorities are sufficiently prepared to respect the constitutional rights of protesters who may engage in peaceful civil disobedience during the DNC; urging the police department to reconsider its stated policy of making full custodial arrests for even minor protest-related violations; and asking the City to investigate why Sheriff’s deputies were unable to promptly release arrested Columbus Day protesters who had posted bail, and instead held them up to twelve additional hours.
Education
- Keeping Free at the DNC, Mark Silverstein, ACLU of Colorado Legal Director (May 21, 2008).
- Denver's Police Spy Files: Police Surveillance, the First Amendment and the Democratic National Convention, CLE including Mark Silverstein, ACLU of Colorado Legal Director, (April 28, 2008).
- The Colorado Party Conventions: Protecting Free Speech and Public Safety, including Taylor Pendergrass, ACLU of Colorado Staff Attorney (April 14, 2008).
Back to the Legal Department Docket
|
 |
