John Berman
v.
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
Appellant
John Berman
Appellee
Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
Attorney for the Appellant
John Berman, self-represented
Attorney for the Appellee
David L. Brown
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul D. Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Gamble, S.J., takes no part. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (3 pages)
John Berman, a California resident, appeals the denial of his motion to reopen a civil cause of action alleging extortion and his motion to disqualify the judge who denied that motion. OPINION HOLDS: On our review, we adopt the district court’s rationale on the issues presented. Iowa courts lack authority to consider Berman’s extortion claim because none of the alleged conduct occurred in this state. Berman alleged no new facts in the motion to reopen that would change that reality. And the record shows no cause for disqualification of the judge. A full opinion would not augment or clarify existing law. Thus, we affirm without further opinion under Iowa Court Rule 21.26(1)(d) and (e).
