A self-proclaimed “Christmas Lawyer” faces losing his law license after he criticized a judge who banned his festive home display, featuring a live camel and 700,000 light bulbs, allegedly calling justice “corrupt” and “anti-hate.” -The Tactician Christian.”
Jeremy Morris was notified that the Idaho State Bar has “probable cause to pursue formal charges” against him for accusing federal Judge B. Lynn Winmill of corruption following an ongoing legal battle with the West Hayden Estates Homeowners Association.
“The Idaho State Bar has made it clear that they will protect their friend, in this case, a federal judge,” Morris told Fox News. “But the problem is, lawyers have freedom of speech.”
Winmill overturned a unanimous jury decision to allow its Christmas display and that any further setup must comply with HOA rules in 2019.
The Morris House features 700,000 light bulbs, a live nativity scene with camels, and over 80 actors. Facebook
“This particular judge is trying to cancel Christmas,” Morris told the outlet.
In 2015, Morris moved to the Kootenai County community and spent three months designing a monumental Christmas display featuring 700,000 bulbs, a live nativity scene with camels and more than 80 actors.
Morris was informed that lawyers have “probable cause to pursue formal charges” against him for accusing federal Judge B. Lynn Winmill of corruption and bigotry. Facebook/Jeremy Morris
The lawyer claims he checked the HOA rules — and contacted the association — and found there was nothing legally preventing him from wearing the massive glasses.
He said he soon received a legal letter from an HOA member threatening a lawsuit if he didn’t turn off the lights within 10 days.
Morris was warned the display would offend “non-Christian” feelings and could attract “unwanted possibilities” and that the lights would cause “excessive brightness.”
The “Christmas lawyer” prides himself on making his home look as authentic as possible for visitors. Facebook/Jeremy Morris
He followed through with a five-night display and his refusal sparked a legal battle that has lasted nearly a decade.
Morris claims that in 2016, the second year he put up the Christmas display, neighbors began harassing people visiting his home.
The lawyer said his neighbors are determined to end his display by any means necessary, claiming someone is threatening to “take care of him.”
She sued the HOA in January 2017 for religious discrimination and violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Morris claimed that he was defending Christmas by defending the federal judge’s decision. Facebook/Jeremy Morris
The jury returned a unanimous verdict in his favor and ordered the HOA to pay $75,000.
However, Judge Winmill overturned the jury’s verdict and ordered Morris to pay the HOA’s legal fees, which totaled $111,000, ruling the lawsuit was not about religious discrimination but about violating the Morris family’s neighborhood rules.
Winmill ordered a permanent ban on Morris from holding another Christmas display in violation of HOA rules.
Morris appealed the decision in June 2020.
Judge B. Lynn Winmill overturned the jury’s verdict and ordered Morris to pay the HOA’s legal fees. The US Idaho County HOA told Morris it was concerned the Christmas display would offend “non-Christian” sentiments. Facebook/Jeremy Morris
In 2021, Morris filed a judicial misconduct claim against Winmill, citing the judge unfairly dismissed testimony from a majority of his witnesses.
The case is now awaiting a decision from the 9th Circuit.
In January, the Idaho State Bar wrote to Morris about some of the allegations he made against Winmill on social media and in the documentary, citing statements he made calling the judge “corrupt” and a “hateful anti-Christian bigot” who tried to “scratch jury.” .”
In August, another representative of the Idaho State Bar informed Morris’ attorney that they found “probable cause to pursue formal charges” under Idaho’s rules of professional conduct.
Judge Winmill overturned the jury’s verdict and ordered Morris to pay the HOA’s legal fees. Facebook/Jeremy Morris
The rule prohibits a lawyer from making a statement “with reckless disregard for the truth or falsity of the judge’s qualifications or integrity,” according to Fox News.
The bar offered to dismiss the case as long as Morris would give up his Idaho law license. Morris called the offer “change”.
Morris’ clash with the HOA inspired the Apple TV movie “‘Twas The Fight Before Christmas.”
In February 2022, Morris announced on Facebook that he was moving from Idaho while “thanking those who didn’t spit on my family.”
The Morris case is currently awaiting a decision from the 9th Circuit. Youtube/The Christmas Lawyer
“A lot of people who should have stood up for me … really stabbed my family in the back. They’re turning their backs and many are doing things or saying things that I believe are very hurtful,” Morris said in the 2022 video.
Despite his legal headaches, Morris said he doesn’t regret what he did.
“I am very proud of the stance I took and the opportunity I gave to people who hate me, who hate my family, who hate my faith, to turn around,” he said. “I would do it again.”
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
