Patty A. Thorington, individually and as administrator of the Estate of Robert Ronald Mitchell v. Scott County, Iowa and Greg Hill

Summary

The Iowa Supreme Court considered Patty A. Thorington’s claims against Scott County and Deputy Greg Hill arising from the shooting death of her son. Because the court was evenly divided, with one justice taking no part, the district court’s summary judgment for the defendants was affirmed by operation of law.

Holdings

1. When the Iowa Supreme Court is equally divided, the district court's judgment is affirmed by operation of law.

Questions Presented

1. What is the effect of an evenly divided Iowa Supreme Court on an appeal from a district court judgment?

Disposition

affirmed