No One Will Take My § 1983 Case. Why?
You called every civil rights lawyer in town. They all said no. Here's why — and what it means for your options.
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A project of the Institute for Police Conduct, Inc.
Your free guide to holding
police accountable in federal court.
When police violate your constitutional rights, federal law gives you the right to sue. This site explains how — in plain language, with real cases, for people representing themselves.
We are completely independent of police and government. No sponsors. No agenda. Just the law, explained honestly.
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374 pages · 37 courts cited · ~22 hours of reading · 100% free
Latest Articles
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You Will Probably Lose. You Might Sue Anyway. Here's Why That Still Matters.
The honest reality of filing a pro se § 1983 civil rights lawsuit — and why documenting your case matters even when you lose.
How to Name Your Defendants (and Why the Order Matters)
The first defendant in your § 1983 complaint becomes the case name forever. Use that strategically.
How to Write Your § 1983 Complaint
Your complaint is your first and most important filing. Here's how to structure it, what to include, common mistakes that get cases dismissed, and a complete checklist.
How to Write a Declaration for Your § 1983 Case
A declaration is your sworn testimony in writing. Here's the format, what to include, what to avoid, and a ready-to-use template.
How to Get Public Records Police Don't Want You to Have
A tactical guide to FOIA and state open records requests — how to succeed without tipping your hand, what agencies do to block you, and what to do when they refuse.
How to Stress-Test Your Case Before You File
Before you file your § 1983 complaint, tear it apart yourself. Every claim should survive 'what if this isn't true?' — because the defense will ask that question, and so will the judge.
Why Hasn't Qualified Immunity Been Overturned?
The Supreme Court invented qualified immunity with no statutory basis. Congress has tried and failed to remove it. Here's why it persists — and what would have to change.
How to Use AI in Your § 1983 Case
AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help you research, draft, and organize your civil rights case — but they can also get you fined or have your case dismissed. Here's how to use them effectively and safely.
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