First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, Inc. v. Davenport · ¶14

In the federal case at issue here, matters unfolded this way. A federal law—42 U. S. C. § 1983—authorizes suits against any person who, under color of state law, deprives another of his federal constitutional rights. First Choice fled a complaint under that statute, arguing, among other things, that the Attorney General's demand for information about its donors violated its First Amendment rights. Pet. App. 114a, 136a–138a. Specifically, First Choice observed that the First Amendment “prohibits the government from discouraging people from associating with others” “in pursuit of many political, social, economic, educational, religious, and cultural ends.” Id., at 136a. And, First Choice alleged, the Attorney General's subpoena had just that impermissible effect. Id., at 136a–138a. For its donors, the group represented, “anonymity is of paramount importance,” and its inability to…

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