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John's Articles
Co-Author of an Eighth Circuit blog on Law.com (2019-present)
No Clearly Established Due Process Right to Informational Privacy, Says Eighth Circuit
Decision To Remove Children From Father's Custody Not Unlawful Given Compelling Interest in Protecting Minors
The Eighth Circuit recently affirmed the Rule 12 dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a father, his three children, and an association against a Minnesota county, its social-services agency, and several state and county officials.
Read MoreEighth Circuit Decision Demonstrates Conflicting Views on Use of Deadly Force
A recurring question in §1983 cases is whether unarmed, feeing suspects pose the requisite threat to officers or others to justify the use of deadly force. Related questions include the availability of qualified immunity at the summary-judgement stage. A recent Eighth Circuit decision embodies conficting views on this subject.
Read MoreEighth Circuit Affirms Preliminary Injunction Against Enforcement of Arkansas 'Blackout' Periods for Campaign Contributions
The court affirmed a preliminary injunction against enforcement of an Arkansas statute that prohibits campaign contributions from being made during a two-year “blackout” period well before an election.
Read MoreEighth Circuit Joins Those Invalidating Traditional Panhandling Laws, While Some Newer Approaches Are Upheld
On November 6th, the Eighth Circuit upheld an injunction against Arkansas's revised statutory prohibition of panhandling, but split on the question of whether the district court should have 8th Circuit Spotlight enjoined the enforcement of the prohibition on a statewide basis.
Read MoreEighth Circuit Flips Invalidation of Engagement-letter Arbitration Clause
Under the Federal Arbitration Act, a court can invalidate an arbitration agreement based on the traditional contract defenses, including unconscionability.
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