Legal
Colorado ACLU Cases

Legal Department Docket, 2002-Present

Case Name: American Friends Service Committee v. City and County of Denver
Case Number: 02-N-0740, United States District Court, District of Colorado
ACLU Case Number: 2002-03

Description: On March 11, 2002, the ACLU of Colorado held a news conference in which it disclosed documents that revealed the existence of the Denver Police Department's "Spy Files." The documents showed that Denver police were monitoring and recording the peaceful protest activities of Denver-area residents and keeping files on the expressive activities of law-abiding advocacy organizations, in many cases falsely labeling them as "criminal extremist."

Later that month, the ACLU filed this class action lawsuit on behalf of three organizations and three individuals who were the subjects of "Spy Files." Instead of seeking monetary compensation, the lawsuit seeks new policies and practices and remedies for past abuses.

Issues: Freedom of speech; right to petition; police practices; right of privacy

ACLU of Colorado Attorneys: Lino Lipinsky, Mark Silverstein

Links to Selected Documents:

Chronology of Spy Files Controversy

Documents from Spy Files Lawsuit

Sample Documents from the Denver Spy Files

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