Victory: Arkansas City Removes Surveillance Camera In Front Of Innocent Family’s Home After IJ Letter
Greers Ferry, Arkansas, put one of their new cameras from Flock Safety in front of the home of Charlie and Angie Wolf, the couple were subject to constant warrantless surveillance. These cameras take a photo of every vehicle that drives by and analyze features such as the license plate number, car color, dents, bumper stickers, and more. Police can then use the database without a warrant to see each time a specific vehicle was spotted by not only their own cameras, but the cameras of any other department that opts to share data. The town refused to move the camera when the Wolfs complained—until IJ got involved.
“After months of warrantless surveillance, we’re relieved the camera has finally been moved from in front of our home,” said Charlie. “But nobody else should have to experience this either, and it’s time for cities across the country to reassess whether partnering with Flock is really worth sacrificing our Fourth Amendment rights.”
Family Farm Wins Case Against Federal Agency That Acts As Prosecutor, Judge, And Jury
In 2016, Sun Valley Orchards, a New Jersey family farm, received a $500,000 fine from the Department of Labor, most of it stemming from a single violation where the consultant they hired to fill out the paperwork didn't disclose the farm's meal plan. Thus began a years-long legal odyssey through the DOL’s administrative courts, where agency employees act as prosecutor, judge, and jury. But the Constitution requires independent courts when the government takes your money as punishment. Last week, the 3rd Circuit agreed, unanimously ruling that charges against the farm had to be brought in an independent federal court.
Nashville Home-based Business Owners Win Fight Against City Over Customer Restrictions
Home-based businesses are an age-old way for entrepreneurs to get off the ground, but cities across America throw unreasonable restrictions in their way. This week, IJ triumphed over one of those restrictions with a unanimous win at a Tennessee appeals court. IJ's clients, a recording studio and hairdresser, were limited to only six clients a day plus other restrictions, while other home businesses like daycares and Airbnbs could have twice as many or more. The appeals court said that the city had not offered good reasons for favoring some home businesses over others.
This case is part of IJ's work to ensure everyday people can earn an honest living and that customers can benefit from their services.
Does the history and tradition of baseball’s exemption from antitrust laws apply to a Puerto Rican league, or only to the American and National leagues back on the Mainland?
Steve Lehto of Lehto’s Law rejoins Short Circuit to spread the common sense he delivers daily on his own show. Steve shares a recent opinion from the Kansas Supreme Court about license plate covers. Police and lower courts had interpreted the law to make it a crime if a license plate cover blocked the name of the state.
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