(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned a judgment against a central Iowa landlord who was convicted of discriminating against tenants. The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission alleged Patrick Knueven of Des Moines and his wife tried to steer prospective tenants away from their properties because of their religion or national origin. The jury found only Patrick guilty and assessed a 50-thousand dollar penalty. He appealed on several issues including the jury instructions.

The Iowa Supreme court agreed the district court incorrectly instructed the jury on “steering” and exposed the defendants to liability for conduct not prohibited by the Iowa Civil Rights Act or the Des Moines ordinance. The court also ruled Knueven should be paid attorney fees.