Defying a decade-long legal battle, Jeremy Morris, the renowned 'Christmas Lawyer,' mulls appealing to the Supreme Court after a recent ruling in his case against his former homeowners association (HOA).
The relentless legal saga between Jeremy Morris, an attorney known as the "Christmas Lawyer," and his former homeowners association (HOA) continues, with the possibility of an appeal to the Supreme Court looming.
Morris gained notoriety for organizing extravagant Christmas light displays at his Idaho home, complete with choirs, animals, and thousands of spectators. However, his HOA objected, citing noise, traffic, and other concerns. The ensuing legal battle has had unexpected twists and turns.
The 'Christmas Lawyer' Surprises: Supreme Court Appeal in Battle Against HOA Over Holiday Celebrations
In 2017, a jury sided with Morris, finding that the HOA had discriminated against him on religious grounds. However, to Morris's astonishment, a federal judge overturned the verdict and ordered him to pay the HOA's legal fees.
Undeterred, Morris challenged the ruling in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Four years later, the court ruled in part for both sides, allowing for a new jury trial. Morris is now considering appealing to the Supreme Court.
The 'Christmas Lawyer' Surprises: Supreme Court Appeal in Battle Against HOA Over Holiday Celebrations
At the heart of Morris's case is a 2015 letter from the HOA expressing concerns about "non-Christians" being bothered by his display and attracting "possible undesirables" to the neighborhood. Morris argues that such statements constitute religious discrimination.
The 9th Circuit's ruling confirmed that the letter did not violate the law but suggested that the HOA may have created a hostile environment for the Morris family. However, Judge Daniel P. Collins dissented, suggesting that the HOA's actions had contributed to harassment and threats against the Morrises.
The 'Christmas Lawyer' Surprises: Supreme Court Appeal in Battle Against HOA Over Holiday Celebrations
Morris expressed concern that the ruling regarding the letter could set a precedent, allowing discrimination against individuals of any faith. He believes that Christians are no longer afforded the same property rights as others.
The Supreme Court, however, is highly selective in its caseload, typically agreeing to hear less than 100 of the thousands of petitions it receives annually.
The 'Christmas Lawyer' Surprises: Supreme Court Appeal in Battle Against HOA Over Holiday Celebrations
Meanwhile, Morris plans to take legal action against the Idaho State Bar for allegedly threatening disciplinary charges against him over comments he made about the judge who overturned his case.
The legal battle between Morris and the HOA has been the subject of documentaries and books, highlighting the complex interplay between religious expression, property rights, and HOA regulations. As the case progresses, it could have implications for the rights of homeowners nationwide.
The 'Christmas Lawyer' Surprises: Supreme Court Appeal in Battle Against HOA Over Holiday Celebrations
