Agricultural Leases, or A Horse is a Horse
There are two main schools of thought about how to read statutes. One is that judges should read the words and apply them, period, whatever the result. The second school is that judges should read the words in the context of the problem the writers were trying to resolve and give them a meaning that the writers intended, or would have intended if they had foreseen the problem in the case before the court, even if the writers did not use exactly the right words. The Iowa Supreme Court recently looked at this question in the context of agricultural leases, specifically whether a single horse makes a farm.
Eminent Domain and the Bakken Pipeline
A great deal of ink has been spilled writing about the Bakken Pipeline currently being built across Iowa and how eminent domain is being used to acquire the land for the project. Not all of the writings have been entirely clear and some of the statements quoted in articles have not been entirely accurate. This post attempts to provide readers enough information about a) the power of eminent domain and b) the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) decision about the Bakken Pipeline to provide at least a basic understanding of the issue.
Introducing David Ferree, Of Counsel
The Law Office of Kelcey Patrick-Ferree is focused on the future of business law. With emerging and exciting innovation happening in all sectors, we’re expanding our offerings to include public sector service with a focus in transportation. I am therefore extremely excited to announce that David Ferree has joined the Law Office of Kelcey Patrick-Ferree as Of Counsel to the firm.
What Should I Put in My Company’s Social Media Policy?
It seems like someone is in the news for getting into trouble on social media almost daily. Many companies have adopted social media policies as part of their employment policies to help guide their employees’ behavior and prevent embarrassing mishaps. If you are considering a social media policy, here are some things to think over and include.
7 Things You Must Know Before You Text Your Customers
Texting can be a great, fast, easy way to communicate with your customers. But do you know what you need to do to protect your business from legal issues while you text?
Updating Your Outdated Terms of Use
You just looked at your business website’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for the first time in ages and realized that they have been in place since the Clinton Administration. It’s time for an update. What do you need to consider?
Introducing the Socratic Guide
Today, I’d like to share a project I have been working on for a while: the Socratic Guide. It is a blog that provides basic information about legal concepts. It is designed to give you the background information you need before you talk to your lawyer. There is no reason for you to spend hundreds […]
Congress Gets Serious About Defending Trade Secrets
The Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) has been slowly wending its way through Congress, and it is looking as though it has a good chance of becoming a law at this point. It has bipartisan support and has now passed the Senate 87-0. It is now being considered by the House of Representatives. Currently, there […]
Star Trek v. Axanar: Copyright Infringement or Permissible Fan Work?
If you are a Star Trek fan, know a Star Trek fan, or are merely vaguely aware that you need to be very careful about whether you call Star Trek fans “trekkies” or “trekkers,” you are probably aware of the Axanar project and the litigation surrounding it. For those who spend slightly less of their […]
On the Death of Justice Antonin Scalia
Justice Antonin Scalia, perhaps the most controversial figure of the modern Supreme Court, has unexpectedly passed away at age 79. Unfortunately, the political posturing over when and how to replace him began almost immediately following the public announcement of his death. For a lovely tribute to a man whose intellect, influence, and personal relationships deserved […]