Law Grad Reaches Settlement Over First Amendment Case Involving Skeleton Displays

First Amendment Settlement: Germantown, Tennessee, Resolves Dispute Over Halloween Skeleton Displays

By Debra Cassens Weiss

May 1, 2025, 11:58 am CDT

A recent legal dispute in Germantown, Tennessee, concluded with a settlement benefiting a local law graduate who faced municipal charges for her creative use of Halloween decorations. Alexis Luttrell, known for repurposing her outdoor skeletons, has secured a settlement in her First Amendment lawsuit against the suburb.

Background of the Case

After showcasing an 8-foot skeleton and a skeleton dog for Halloween, Luttrell decided to maintain her festive decorations for subsequent holidays, including Election Day and Christmas. However, this decision led to her receiving a citation in January for violating a local ordinance that restricted the display of holiday decorations within specific timeframes—permitting setups only 45 days before a holiday and requiring their removal within 30 days after the celebration.

Settlement Details

The city of Germantown has agreed to pay Luttrell $24,999 as part of the settlement, with the case receiving support from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonprofit focused on safeguarding free speech rights. As part of the settlement, municipal charges against her were dropped in March, following which the city repealed the contested ordinance on April 28.

Luttrell’s Continued Celebrations

Following the settlement, Luttrell expressed relief, stating, “Not only am I no longer at risk of being fined for my skeletons, the unconstitutional ordinance is now dead and buried.” She plans to continue dressing her skeletons for various holidays, including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and upcoming celebrations like Pride Month and Juneteenth.

Conclusion

This case highlights the balance between local regulations and individual expression, illustrating the importance of the First Amendment in allowing creativity in personal displays. The resolution marks a victory for Luttrell and sets a precedent for similar cases regarding holiday decorations and free speech rights.