TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Mar 10, 2025

Less than a month after the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filed a First Amendment lawsuit against Germantown, the city has voluntarily dismissed charges against resident Alexis Luttrell for keeping skeletons in her yard beyond the 30-day limit set by Germantown's property maintenance code. Luttrell cited her First Amendment rights to challenge the citation, and FIRE filed a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn the ordinance while representing Luttrell in municipal court. "Holidays come and go, but the First Amendment is here year-round," said FIRE attorney Colin McDonell in a press release. Additionally, the Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen will consider repealing the city's holiday decorations ordinance. Following a comprehensive review with the administration and city attorneys, it was recommended that the ordinance be eliminated, according to the Commercial Appeal. A first reading on repealing the ordinance was on the agenda for today’s board meeting.