Lesser magistrate doctrine helps locals defy evil acts by high officials

This drawing shows the sack of Madgeburg by papal forces in 1550, the city defended under the doctrine of the lesser magistrate. (Photo of drawing by Johann Philipp Abelin, 1646, Wikimedia) This coming Oct. 31 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. On that day 500 years ago – October 31st, 1517 – Martin Luther nailed […]

Jets scar morning sky over Chattanooga; but program halved

A car leaves the Waffle House at the bottom of the hill on Highway 153 in Hixson, its driver no doubt dazzled by the demonstration of aerial prowess of a civil authority that runs a military weather program wreathed in secrecy. (Photo David Tulis) Negative emissions by jet aircraft are part of the federal government’s […]

Go to hell, judges tell Hispanics, others seeking to use TN roads freely

Basil Marceaux of Soddy-Daisy, right, and Jay Hirsch of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., discuss the Hirsch gun and travel case after oral arguments in Nashville. Like Mr. Hirsch, Mr. Marceaux has been in court dozens of times, asserting constitutional rights to travel and to be free of state roadblocks. (Photo David Tulis) An impoverished independent businessman vows […]

Police ethics rules require ‘respect of constitutional rights’

Chattanooga police department officers in a huddle. (Photo Wdef.com) But commoners would fear the officer’s approaching cruiser less if they could learn about the ethics rules he swore to uphold — and trust that he would obey them. And possibly remind him, as he reaches for his citation booklet or his club, of his oath. […]

Basis for overturning city’s illegal ban on AirBnB, Internet economy

David Tulis explains the basic legal principles of legal and constitutional liberty in Tennessee that are a defense for any homeowner in Chattanooga who intends to rent his house through online short-term vacation rental portals such as AirBnB. The ordinance is unconstitutional on several grounds and should be overturned by an appeal out of city court […]

AirBnB ordinance takes effect, illegal on yet new grounds

Donna Williams is charged with enforcing city council’s AirBnB ordinance, an illegal intrusion upon the city’s thriving “Gig City” Internet economy. (Photo LinkedIn) Taking effect this week in Chattanooga is city government’s so-called short-term vacation rental ordinance, one that is illegal on several grounds — including a new one that comes into view on a […]