Opinion ID: 1653006
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether the Access Road to Ryan's was a Public Way.

Text: Finally, we consider the claim of defendant Lacey that the access road to Ryan's was a public way. Unlike defendant Novak, whose activities took place in the parking lot, Lacey conducted his handbilling activities on the access road leading into the property. The land over which the access road passes is owned by Ryan's. Notwithstanding this fact, Lacey contends that the roadway was a public way, and he was therefore legally entitled to be present there. Although evidence was presented which might support this contention, it was not a matter which was established as a matter of law. The district associate judge who heard the case rejected this claim on the facts. The review of this finding of fact by the district judge and by this court under Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 54(3) is not de novo. We conclude that the district associate judge's finding of fact was permissible within the scope of the evidence presented. We therefore reject defendant Lacey's contention that his activities took place on public property. We have considered all issues presented and find no basis for overturning the convictions. The judgment of the district court is affirmed. AFFIRMED.