Ohio Liberty Council v. Brunner (fighting for referendum rights pertaining to health care freedom)- In April 2010, the 1851 Center filed a complaint with the Ohio Supreme Court seeking a remedy for improper actions taken by the Ohio Ballot Board. The Ballot Board, chaired by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, rejected a proposed health care freedom constitutional amendment.
Corsi v. Ohio Elections Commission (challenging pre-registration requirements for political bloggers)- The 1851 Center has filed a notice of appeal in the case of Ed Corsi, a political blogger and pamphleteer, who distributed materials critical of his local elected officials. After one of those same officials sought prosecution of Mr. Corsi, the Ohio Elections Commission took up the case.
COAST v. Cincinnati (protecting the right to support limited government through initiatives)- In May 2009, the 1851 Center filed a legal action to prevent the City of Cincinnati and its functionaries from harassing, blocking, and threatening to arrest citizens circulating an initiative petition on public property to put Cincinnati’s proposed $200 million trolley project to a vote. After the Center filed a Complaint and Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order, the City and other defendants entered into a settlement agreement requiring them to allow petitioners to gather signatures.
Ohio Grocer’s Association v. Ohio Tax Commissioner (challenge to commercial activities tax) - In May 2009 the 1851 Center argued in an amicus brief that Ohio’s Commercial Activities Tax is an unconstitutional excise tax on food which is levied on Ohio grovers based on sales. The cost of this tax is passed on to Ohio’s taxpayers when they purchase food.
SpeechNow.org v. FEC (challenging restrictions on speech through political action committees)- In August 2009, the 1851 Center filed an amicus brief defending the First Amendment rights of SpeechNow.org in its legal battle with the Federal Elections Commission. The FEC viewed the non-profit much like a political action committee or PAC. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals provided SpeechNow.org with a significant and precedent-setting victory.
