Yesterday, IJ won a victory <[link removed]> at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that paves the way for new protection for all Americans who use technology to seek or give advice. This victory is built on previous IJ victories and a past loss—but most of all on our perseverance.

In 2013, IJ client and career veterinarian Dr. Ron Hines was fined and had his veterinary license suspended for using the internet to provide advice to pet owners around the world. After a lower court win defending Dr. Hines’ First Amendment right to share his expertise with those who seek his help, IJ lost our case on appeal at the 5th Circuit in 2015.

But the world is a very different place today. And, thanks to IJ’s persistence over the past eight years, so is the law. Relying on our victory <[link removed]> for Mississippi startup Vizaline in February, and a U.S. Supreme Court decision <[link removed]> in 2018 embracing IJ’s arguments on occupational speech, the 5th Circuit reversed itself and cleared the way for IJ to restore Dr. Hines’ free speech rights.

IJ’s cases are designed to have a ripple effect that extends far beyond our clients. In this case, the implications are global. In 2020, virtual advice was the only way many people around the world were able to get health care and advice for themselves and their pets. The long-term viability of tele-practice in many occupations depends on us putting in place a legal framework that establishes clear First Amendment protection for all forms of speech. IJ’s victory yesterday brings us closer to ensuring that many more entrepreneurs and experts like Dr. Hines will be free to share their advice indefinitely—and to provide for themselves and their families in the process.

Please consider providing the support <[link removed]> that allows IJ to turn losses into victories that change the world.

Scott

Scott G. Bullock
President and General Counsel
Institute for Justice
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