We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. – Declaration of Independence

The Michigan Legal Foundation is committed to the principles espoused in the Declaration of Independence, and we look to both the United States and Michigan Constitutions for the protections they provide for these inalienable rights. Although many of these protections have been eroded during the 20th century due to both the intellectual and pragmatic evolution of the law, many still form a powerful bulwark against government violation of basic human rights.

That the people have an original right to establish, for their future government, such principles as, in their opinion, shall most conduce to their own happiness, is the basis, on which the whole American fabric has been erected. – Justice John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The Michigan Constitution seeks to secure "the blessings of freedom" forever, and one of the express aims of the United States Constitution is to "establish Justice." Our mission here at the Michigan Legal Foundation is to ensure that these goals are achieved, and that the protections enshrined in these documents are more than just parchment barriers that are easily trampled upon. We pursue this mission by engaging in strategic litigation, providing legal services, and rendering advice to clients where government action violates the basic rights to life, liberty and property.

The Michigan Legal Foundation is committed to protecting freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association; defending the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure; advocating for equal protection under the laws; and, in general, championing the right to live as free and responsible citizens.

We believe that the right to property is a fundamental and essential human right, and we join with former Supreme Court Justice Stewart in affirming: "A fundamental interdependence exists between the personal right to liberty and the personal right in property. Neither could have meaning without the other." Consequently, Michigan Legal Foundation's dedication to civil liberties requires a strong defense of property rights.

In addition to our concern for fundamental civil liberties, the Michigan Legal Foundation is also concerned about the well being of the environment. We agree with those concerned individuals who feel that the environment must be protected, and we believe that a deep respect for the human right to own property is needed to provide the kind of lasting protection the environment truly requires.

Finally, the Michigan Legal Foundation will work to enforce the protections embodied in the Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution. Specifically, the Foundation will protect Michigan school districts and municipalities from being saddled with unfunded mandates of the state legislature, and will protect Michigan citizens from unconstitutional taxation.