The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that those who pose a credible threat of physical violence and harm to the physical safety of another may be temporarily disarmed consistent with the 2nd amendment. Hence, a person who has had due process and a hearing, and found to pose a credible threat to the safety of another, and therefore subject to a protective restraining order, may be subject to  statutory firearms restrictions for the duration of the restraining order.

At issue was Section 922(g)(8) prohibits an individual subject to a domestic violence restraining order from possessing a firearm, so long as certain criteria are met. Such a restriction does not violate the 2nd amendment.


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The Iowa Supreme Court has reversed a sentence and remanded for resentencing before a different judge. The Court held that a sentencing judge cannot consider the fact that the Defendant had not paid any restitution prior to a restitution order being entered. Also, the Supreme Court held that it is improper for a judge to order portions of an appeal bond to be forfeited towards the payment of restitution.

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Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that sexual conduct by a school employee can include hugging when viewed in context of other activities.

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Iowa Supreme Court holds that a term of probation requires a set fixed term of years, and cannot be for a range of time.

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Iowa Supreme Court reverses conviction for assault causing injury, holding that the jury instructions on the self-defense justification claim, asserting the new stand your ground law, were erroneous. Case has been remanded for a new trial.

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Iowa Supreme Court holds that a court cannot enter a no contact order for a dismissed charge. NCOs only can be entered to counts involving victims in which the defendant pled or was found guilty.

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Iowa Court of Appeals holds that it is impermissible for a sentencing judge to take into consideration the Defendant’s insistence on taking the case to trial, maintaining his innocence, and refusing to admit guilt.

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The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that an antique muzzleloader rifle qualifies as a firearm within the meaning of Iowa Code section 724.26(1), which prohibits felons from possessing a firearm or offensive weapon.

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Iowa Supreme Court holds that the unit of prosecution for indecent exposure is per person, not per exposure. Meaning, the Defendant was properly convicted of two counts for one exposure, because two persons observed the exposure; hence two counts.

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Iowa Supreme Court holds that public safety can be an exception to Miranda or the 804.20 right to consult with an attorney or family member without unnecessary delay after arrival at the place of detention, BUT, the exception is narrow, with there being an objective immediate need for safety, and the officers must demonstrate that by immediately questioning exclusively about their safety concerns, without delay.

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The Iowa Supreme Court reverses a conviction that relied upon inadmissible hearsay, when a witness testified regarding information contained in medical or business records. The exception to the hearsay rules allows the record to be admitted, but not oral testimony regarding what the record contained.

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