Constitutional Accountability Center

In a city that serves as the epicenter of American law and governance, the U.S. Constitution is not merely a historical document but a living framework that shapes our daily lives. For residents of Washington, D.C., who believe in a more just, equitable, and inclusive society, understanding and advocating for the Constitution's full promise is paramount. The Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) is a unique and impactful organization in the nation's capital, serving as both a public interest law firm and a think tank. Their unwavering dedication lies in fulfilling what they term the "progressive promise" of the Constitution's text, history, and values, working to ensure that the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by this vital document are realized for all Americans.

Since its inception, CAC has distinguished itself by pursuing a litigation strategy rooted in the Constitution's text and history, arguing that a proper understanding of these elements supports progressive outcomes across a broad range of issues. They work not only in the courts but also with elected leaders and legal scholars, striving to preserve the rights and freedoms of all and to protect the judiciary from undue political influence and special interests. For D.C. locals, CAC represents a powerful force for good, actively engaging in critical legal debates and shaping public understanding of the Constitution to advance civil rights, protect democracy, and promote justice in numerous vital areas. Their mission is particularly resonant in Washington, D.C., where constitutional principles are debated and applied daily.

Location and Accessibility

The Constitutional Accountability Center is strategically located in the heart of Washington, D.C., at 1200 18th St NW #501, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places CAC in a highly accessible and central part of the city, making it convenient for individuals throughout the District and the wider metropolitan area. Eighteenth Street NW is a well-known thoroughfare in D.C.'s vibrant downtown, characterized by its professional buildings and easy access to public transportation. The office is situated within a comfortable walking distance of several key Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Dupont Circle (Red Line), as well as Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines). This excellent proximity to D.C.'s efficient Metro system ensures that the office is readily reachable for those relying on public transit, minimizing travel time and logistical challenges in a busy urban environment.

The building itself is part of a professional and discreet commercial district, providing a suitable environment for the important legal and scholarly work conducted by CAC. While parking options may be available in the vicinity, public transportation is often the most practical choice for navigating downtown D.C. This central and accessible location underscores CAC's commitment to being an active and engaged part of the D.C. legal and policy community, ensuring that their work on constitutional issues remains at the forefront of public discussion.

Services Offered

The Constitutional Accountability Center operates as a unique hybrid: a public interest law firm, a think tank, and an action center. While they do not provide direct legal aid to individuals (due to volume, they cannot respond to all individual requests for legal services), their "services" are focused on systemic legal and educational advocacy. They work to advance a progressive understanding of the Constitution's text, history, and values through various strategic initiatives.

• Litigation: CAC identifies and engages in cases at all levels of the federal court system, including the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal courts, and state supreme courts. They primarily file powerful amicus briefs (friend-of-the-court briefs) that provide crucial arguments rooted in constitutional text, history, and values. Their clients for amicus briefs often include bipartisan Members of Congress, state and local officials, law professors, and various nonprofit organizations.
• Scholarly Research and Publications: As a think tank, CAC produces in-depth scholarship—including issue briefs, white papers, and academic articles—that demonstrates how the Constitution's text and history support progressive results across a broad range of legal issues. This scholarship provides the deep historical support for their legal arguments and informs public discussion.
• Policy Advocacy: CAC's legal experts inform public discussion by providing written and oral testimony in congressional committee hearings, engaging with elected leaders, and working to influence policy decisions based on a sound constitutional understanding.
• Public Education and Engagement: They actively work to educate judges, policymakers, academics, non-profit organizations, and the general public about their progressive vision of the Constitution, believing that increased understanding is key to ensuring justice and equality. They host events and discussions to engage with the public.
• Focus Areas: Their work addresses many of the most important topics in modern constitutional and federal law, including:
  • Access to Justice
  • Civil and Human Rights (e.g., racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights)
  • Corporate Accountability
  • Criminal Law Reform (e.g., policing, privacy, excessive fines)
  • Environmental Protection
  • Federal Courts and Nominations (e.g., judicial integrity)
  • Health Care
  • Immigration and Citizenship
  • Rule of Law
  • Voting Rights and Democracy

Features / Highlights

The Constitutional Accountability Center is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its unique role and impact in the Washington, D.C. legal and policy landscape.

• Unique "Think Tank, Law Firm, and Action Center" Model: CAC combines rigorous scholarly research with strategic litigation and public advocacy, providing a multi-faceted approach to advancing its mission of fulfilling the Constitution's progressive promise.
• Focus on Text and History: Their core methodology, "honest textualism and principled originalism," argues that a careful examination of the Constitution's text and historical context supports progressive outcomes, challenging conventional interpretations.
• Influential Amicus Briefs: CAC is highly recognized for its powerful amicus briefs, having filed over 200 total, with more than 100 in the U.S. Supreme Court. These briefs are known for their rigorous historical analysis and often persuade conservative judges.
• Leading Constitutional Scholars and Practitioners: The team includes experienced practitioners, some of whom have clerked for U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal and even the U.S. Supreme Court, bringing top-tier legal expertise to their work.
• Comprehensive Issue Coverage: They engage with a wide array of critical constitutional and federal law topics, demonstrating their broad impact on civil rights, environmental protection, criminal justice, voting rights, and more.
• Commitment to Judicial Integrity: CAC actively works to protect the judiciary from political interference and special interests, recognizing the importance of an independent and impartial court system.
• Public Education Initiatives: Beyond litigation, CAC is dedicated to educating the public, policymakers, and legal scholars on the progressive nature of the Constitution, contributing to a more informed public discourse. They frequently host events, panels, and produce accessible educational materials.
• Reputation for Persuasion: As noted by Jeff Rosen of the National Constitution Center, CAC has a striking ability to persuade judges across the political spectrum, showcasing the strength of their text- and history-based arguments.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a non-profit, public interest law firm and think tank, the Constitutional Accountability Center does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" to individual clients in the way a commercial business might. Their mission is to advance constitutional principles through systemic advocacy, litigation, and public education, rather than providing direct legal services for a fee.

However, their "offer" to the public and the legal community includes a wealth of free, publicly accessible resources. This encompasses their extensive scholarly research, issue briefs, legal analysis of Supreme Court cases, and historical insights into constitutional provisions. They also frequently host free public events, webinars, and discussions featuring leading legal experts and scholars, providing valuable educational opportunities for anyone interested in constitutional law and its impact on society. While they cannot respond to individual requests for legal services due to volume, their website serves as a rich repository of information and analysis for those seeking to understand and engage with constitutional issues. Their ultimate "promotion" is the collective benefit of a more just and equitable society, achieved through their dedicated legal and scholarly work.

Contact Information

For individuals, legal professionals, and organizations in the District of Columbia seeking to learn more about the work of the Constitutional Accountability Center, or for media inquiries, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 1200 18th St NW #501, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 296-6889

Mobile Phone: +1 202-296-6889

Please note that while they are a law firm, CAC is not a direct legal aid organization and, due to the volume of requests, cannot respond to all individual inquiries for legal services. For general inquiries, or to learn more about their litigation and research, contacting them by phone or visiting their website is recommended.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Washington, D.C., who are deeply invested in the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law as enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, the Constitutional Accountability Center is an exceptionally suitable and vital institution. Their strategic location in the heart of D.C. makes them easily accessible to local policymakers, legal professionals, and engaged citizens who wish to follow or contribute to their work.

What makes CAC particularly suitable for D.C. locals is their unique and impactful approach to constitutional advocacy. In a city where constitutional debates are central to political and social life, CAC provides rigorous, text- and history-based arguments that advocate for a progressive vision of the Constitution. This is not just theoretical work; it translates into tangible impact through influential amicus briefs in high-stakes Supreme Court cases, direct engagement with government leaders, and a wealth of educational resources that empower the public. Whether you're a legal professional seeking deeper insights, an activist looking for constitutional backing for social justice causes, or simply a concerned citizen who believes in a more just interpretation of America's founding document, CAC offers a compelling and effective avenue for engaging with and upholding the progressive promise of the Constitution right here in the nation's capital.