The Ghastly Graveyard: Inappropriate Halloween Decorations
Something feels off about this Halloween in your neighborhood. The usual houses have displays, but the creepiness has increased ten-fold from last year…or so it seems. Does that scarecrow look hauntingly similar to the old man who lives down the block? Perhaps it’s all in your imagination, but stranger things have happened in the court of law!
A neighbor's house decorations can become a point of contention, and in some cases, the only way forward is bringing the conflict in front of a judge. But unlike the Christmas lawyer, who decked their house with thousands of lights and real reindeer, Halloween decorations can feel…sinister. They’re creepy by design, made to send a chill up the spine, and you just can’t shake the feeling that these decorations were chosen to resemble certain community members.
Surprisingly, it wouldn’t be the first time that a presiding judge was asked to rule on Halloween themed yard displays. In 2010, two neighbors went to court over bullying claims, stemming from festive decorations.
Salama v. Deaton
Not all neighbors are equally kind and considerate. Sometime during their transition into the neighborhood, Ellen Salama and Kristy Deaton became cold towards each other. However, Salama alleged that Deaton took the bullying so far, she dressed like Salama and yelled “I’m the crazy lady!” while passing out Halloween candy.
To make matters more interesting, Salama felt targeted by a cruel, customized tombstone that read:
“At 48 she had no mate, no date
It's no debate she looked 88
She met her fate in a crate
Now we celebrate
1961-2009”
Deaton claimed it was just coincidence that Salama was born in 1961; the tombstones were meant to be “quirky” and she denied knowing it was the same year as Salama’s birth.
Salama, feeling harassed, sold her home in December and filed a lawsuit against Deaton. However, things would not turn out in her favor, as the judge felt that Deaton’s display did not warrant a restraining order. Since Salama had already moved away, the rest of the case was thrown out.
Avoid Discord Among Neighbors This Halloween
If you love decorating for the spooky season, it would be worthwhile to check in on your neighbors. A massive tree decorated with creepy crawlies and spider webs may send neighbors with arachnophobia into a panic. The motion activated clown in the front yard might make the elementary school kids cry in fear. It might be all in the spirit of Halloween, but your decorations can impact your neighborhood long after the fall festivities.
So if one of your neighbors talks to you about the fright factor of your house, perhaps it may be a bit too spooky for the young and elderly. If you ignore the warning, just be mindful that some neighbors may not be so friendly when you need a favor.
No Tricks; Just Treats From Hickey & Hull Law Offices
Deaton isn’t the first or the last person to make questionable graveyard displays for their home on Halloween. However, this can be considered a form of harassment, and your neighbor could see legal consequences for continued bullying — you just need the right lawyer by your side.
Hickey & Hull handles discrimination, property disputes, civil suits, and more; find out how our Arkansas law offices can help you at (479) 434-2414! Our online agent is waiting to help schedule your initial consultation now.