The City of Boston flies three flags in City Hall Plaza just outside the Boston City Hall: those of the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Boston. From time to time, and at the request of
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Colorado Legislature Passes Bill for Valuation of Conservation Easement Properties in Condemnation Actions
On May 10, 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed SB22-208, titled “Concerning Just Compensation for the Condemnation of Property Encumbered by a Conservation Easement in Gross.” If signed, the bill ensures that if property encumbered by a conservation easement will
U.S. District Court Rejects Tree House Builder’s Federal Claims
“This case is about a tree house.” Lepper v. Vill. of Babylon, 18CV7011JMAAYS, 2022 WL 939719, at *2 (E.D.N.Y. Mar. 29, 2022). In a recent federal case out of Long Island, NY, plaintiffs John and Noelle Lepper and their minor
Aspen City Counsel Extends Moratorium
On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, the Aspen City Council (the “Council”) voted to extend its residential moratorium on (i) any new land-use applications for development approval and (ii) certain building permits for residential uses. The original Ordinance #27 was enacted
Fifth Circuit Remands Ban on Leafletting in Large Crowds
A few years ago, Joshua Herridge was waiting outside of a ZZ Top concert in Montgomery County, Texas, but unlike most people gathering near the event hall, he was not there to see the band. He was spreading his religious message by preaching, holding
U.S. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Austin, Texas in Billboard Case, Upholds Off-Premises Sign Regulations
On Thursday, in the case of City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising, a case on which we’ve previously reported, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the City of Austin, Texas’s off-premises sign regulations were permissible under the
Texas Drone Limitations Ruled Unconstitutional
Stepping beyond the strict confines of sign law this week, we turn to a Texas case exploring new boundaries in First Amendment law: regulations on drone footage. Late last month, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Court Dismisses with Prejudice Complaint that Permit Denials were Unconstitutional
In 2021, the San Francisco International Arts Festival (“SFIAF”) and affiliated artist Nkechi Emeruwa were denied permits for two outdoor performance events due to city and state limitations on public gatherings implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, SFIAF
Cop Critic Prevails on Constitutional Claims in the 6th Circuit
Last month, the Sixth Circuit reversed a district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of six Ohio police officers sued for unlawful arrest and retaliation against the free expression of protected speech.
In 2016, Michael Wood entered a county
6th Circuit Court Weighs in on Proceeds Clause in Conservation Easements and Creates Split with 11th Circuit Court
On March 14, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit delivered its opinion in Oakbrook Land Holdings, LLC v. Commissioner regarding the proceeds clause in conservation easements. The court upheld the Tax Court’s ruling in determining that