Effectiveness of interest groups in the protection of rights in the US 4.6

Question 1

how did interests groups influence Brown v Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Answer 1

• Brought to court by the NAACP’s legal defense and education fund.

Question 2

how have interest groups protected civil rights

Answer 2

• Citizens United
• Parents Involved in Community Schools

Question 3

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Answer 3

• “friend of the court.”
• Groups or individuals not party to a case offer insights, expertise, or information to influence court decisions.

Question 4

Influence of Amicus Curiae Briefs

Answer 4

• Used in landmark decisions on issues like abortion, gun control, and affirmative action. (Gratz v Bollinger and Grutter v Bollinger [2003])

Question 5

what are some key figures about the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Answer 5

• Formed in the 1920s
• 1.8 million members
• 300 attorneys by 2018.
• Involved in landmark cases like Brown v Board of Education and Roe v Wade.

Question 6

however, what are the controversial defenses by the ACLU

Answer 6

Defended rights of unpopular groups like:
- the American Nazis
- Ku Klux Klan
- Nation of Islam.
OVERALL
- Advocates for free expression and assembly for all.

Question 7

what is the ACLU view on Policing Reforms

Answer 7

• Advocates against excessive force by police, especially impacting people of color.
• Supports law enforcement treating all communities with dignity.

Question 8

what were the ACLU’s view on the Capitol Building Protest (January 2021)

Answer 8

• Described it as a violent insurrection, not a protest.
• Supports the right of peaceful protest but not violent actions.