The lawsuit brought by the Landlords of Linn County against the City of Cedar Rapids last summer was moved to federal court. On December 9, 2010 the federal judge basically sent the case back to state court AND made comments in favor of LOLC!
By no means is this a ruling just a great decision towards our favor! The summary of the ruling is below and the full copy of the ruling is attached here: [Download not found]
Please help the LOLC with legal bills! Our organization has spent thousands of dollars so far to defend landlords and we need your help. If you can send a check to help our legal fund that would be much appreciated!
Mail your check to:
Landlords of Linn County
Ste 2 PMB 338
3315 Williams Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-1478
The ruling summary is here:
4. Summary
In sum, Iowa law is unclear with respect to Plaintiffs’ claims regarding
Sections 364.1 and 562A.27A. Plaintiffs also offer plausible interpretations of state law
that would be determinative of the case. In these circumstances, “the Pullman doctrine
counsels [the court] to stay [its] hand pending an authoritative determination of the state
law and city ordinance[] involved here.” Robinson, 866 F.2d at 1045.
V. CONCLUSION
In light of the foregoing, it is HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
(1) The Motion (docket no. 8) is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN
PART;
(2) Plaintiffs’ claims arising under Iowa law are REMANDED to the Iowa
District Court for Linn County;
(3) All proceedings in this case are STAYED pending final resolution of
Plaintiffs’ state law claims in the state courts;
(4) The parties are directed to file a joint status report on April 4, 2011; and
(5) The parties are directed to notify the court immediately upon the resolution
of Plaintiffs’ state law claims by the state courts.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this 9th day of December, 2010.