Here are the highlights for August:
* On August 15, we filed a motion for reconsideration in our lawsuit against the City of Moscow, Idaho. In this case, we are representing several Christians who were targeted for prosecution based on their political and religious views.
The trial court “abstained” from ruling on multiple constitutional issues because one of the plaintiff’s state criminal case is still on appeal. We are asking the federal judge to reconsider his ruling because (1) he erroneously ignored relevant and material facts and (2) he failed to address the controlling Supreme Court case demonstrating that abstention is improper in this case.
* On August 16, 17, 18, and 21, we filed several reply briefs on behalf of six Red Rose Rescuers who engaged in a rescue in the City of Southfield, Michigan on April 23, 2022.
A jury trial was held in February 2023, and the six rescuers were found guilty of trespass and resisting/obstructing a police officer. Four of the rescuers were found guilty of interfering with a business/disturbing the peace and two were found not guilty of this offense.
Prior to trial and after we filed a motion to dismiss on constitutional grounds, the City prosecutor dismissed a “loitering” charge for all six of the rescuers.
Remarkably, the appellate court, which is the Circuit Court for Oakland County as we are appealing misdemeanor convictions from the District Court, has refused to consolidate the cases even though all six rescuers were tried together and all of the issues are similar. This was the reason why we had to file so many briefs as the six cases are before five separate judges.
Consequently, on August 29, we filed a second motion to consolidate the cases now that the briefing is complete.
Our appeal raises constitutional issues as well as the issue of whether the District Court erred by denying the rescuers’ requests for jury instructions on the defense of others and necessity.
* On August 21, we filed our reply brief in the Michigan Court of Appeals on behalf of four Red Rose Rescuers who entered an abortion center in Flint, Michigan on June 7, 2019.
This case involved the peaceful exercise of conscience by four pro-life rescuers who object to abortion on moral and religious grounds. At most, it was a misdemeanor trespass case.
Unfortunately, the left-wing prosecutor transformed it into a felony. And during the trial, we were not allowed to tell the jury that this was a felony and not a simple misdemeanor.
These convictions are unjust, particularly when you consider the harsh treatment these peaceful pro-lifers experienced compared with how left-wing prosecutors are turning a blind eye to violent crime committed within their cities.
We pray that the Michigan Court of Appeals reverses these unjust convictions.
* Throughout this month, we were fully engaged in various discovery disputes—filing responses and replies to motions—in the child custody case involving “Baby Doe.” You can read more about this incredible case here.
* We are also working on two very important cases that will have significant impacts. One case will be filed in California and the other will be filed in Michigan. We will report further on those cases at the appropriate time as the information is still confidential!
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. We couldn’t do what we do without them!