Human Rights and Racial Justice
Held v. Montana
In 2020, in Held v. Montana, sixteen youth plaintiffs challenged Montana’s energy policy as violating the Montana Constitution. After several years of litigation, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed that Montanans have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.
In January 2026, Montana youth filed a second case, Held II, to enforce the Court’s decision after the Legislature enacted new laws that the plaintiffs contend undermine the constitutional protections recognized in the Court’s earlier decision and permit continued approval of fossil fuel projects that worsen climate harms.
The State moved to transfer Held II to a different district under SB 97, a law that gives the government a special right to forum shop in cases challenging new laws and makes it significantly harder for Montanans to pursue such challenges. SB 97 thus raises serious access-to-justice concerns in this case and any others in which people are seeking relief from allegedly unconstitutional laws.
Status: Closed
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3 Human Rights and Racial Justice Cases
Court Case
May 2010
Human Rights and Racial Justice
+3 Issues
Request for Hearing on U.S. Felon Disfranchisement Laws to the IACHR
The felony disfranchisement laws, policies and practices of the United States violate the right to vote free from discrimination under the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man and the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights.
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Court Case
May 2010
Human Rights and Racial Justice
+3 Issues
Request for Hearing on U.S. Felon Disfranchisement Laws to the IACHR
The felony disfranchisement laws, policies and practices of the United States violate the right to vote free from discrimination under the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man and the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights.
U.S. Supreme Court
Sep 2006
Human Rights and Racial Justice
+3 Issues
New Jersey Men and Women Prohibited from Voting Pursuant to State Disfranchisement Laws, Policies and Practices Petition the IACHR
The felony disfranchisement laws, policies and practices of the United States violate the right to vote free from discrimination under the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man and the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights.
Explore case
U.S. Supreme Court
Sep 2006
Human Rights and Racial Justice
+3 Issues
New Jersey Men and Women Prohibited from Voting Pursuant to State Disfranchisement Laws, Policies and Practices Petition the IACHR
The felony disfranchisement laws, policies and practices of the United States violate the right to vote free from discrimination under the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man and the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights.