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Institute for Justice updates
Occupational Licensing
Illinois Won’t Let IJ Client Help People Reclaim Lost Property
David Knott wants to help people file paperwork to recover some of the billions of dollars in “unclaimed” property that is being held by the state of Illinois. But, to do so, the government says he needs a totally irrelevant license—as a private detective. David doesn't want to put his business on hold for three years while he apprentices as a private eye, learning about crime scene investigation, firearms handling, and other things irrelevant to his work. So, he teamed up with IJ to challenge this restriction.
For Peter and Annica Quakenbush, green burial is part of their philosophy of closeness to nature. This ancient practice has been regaining popularity among Americans who want a simple, affordable, and environmentally friendly burial. When the Quakenbushes bought a forest plot to offer green burials, a Michigan town banned all cemeteries.
Homeowner Facing $100,000 Parking Violation Will Appeal After Court Rules Fines Were Constitutional
IJ will appeal after a Florida court ruled that sky-high fines for minor infractions did not violate the state constitution’s prohibition on excessive fines. Sandy Martinez owes more than $100,000, mostly for parking slightly on the grass beside her driveway—exactly the sort of abuse Florida's constitution is supposed to protect people from.
You may have heard some baffling news that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed victory in yesterday's unanimous Supreme Court ruling in favor of IJ client Richie DeVillier. Texas tried to throw out Richie's case, but the Court let it move forward, overruling the appeals court decision that would have let Texas and other states get away with not paying for taking property. ThisFox News articlesets the record straight, or read IJ's press release. Or enjoy the community note attached to AG Paxton's tweet.
IJ Podcasts
Beyond The Brief: New Jersey Was Caught Keeping Baby Blood
On the inaugural issue of Beyond the Brief, we discuss New Jersey’s creepy baby blood retention scheme. After a standard health screening, New Jersey stores unused blood for 23 years, with no limits on what the state can do with it.
With the doors to federal courthouses barred shut, advocates for reforming zoning have turned to state courts and state constitutions. In 1975, the New Jersey Supreme Court took a look at a zoning ordinance that made it illegal to build low- and moderate-income housing.
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