Hackbart

But Hackbart argued that he had a constitutional right to give the officer the finger and filed a civil rights suit.

CNN Transcript Nov 25, 2009 2009

But Hackbart argued that he had a constitutional right to give the officer the finger and filed a civil rights suit.

CNN Transcript Nov 25, 2009 2009

But even when the last combine was finally parked, the battle against the elements continued elsewhere in farm and ranch country. story last week told of the Hackbart family near Seward feeding pregnant cows and yearling calves in a makeshift fort created with head-high bales of feed to block the snarling January wind that froze one calf's eyeballs.

JournalStar.com - News Articles 2010

"Hackbart, in this instance, was expressing his frustration and anger when he gestured with his middle finger to both the driver behind him and to Elledge," Cercone wrote.

reddit.com: where dreams come true 2010

That might have been the end of the story, except that Hackbart -- with the help of the ACLU -- then sued the police officer and the city for violation of his civil rights.

Legal Blog Watch 2009

"Hackbart, in this instance, was expressing his frustration and anger when he gestured with his middle finger to both the driver behind him and to [the officer]," Cercone wrote.

Legal Blog Watch 2009

A state judge later ruled Hackbart guilty and fined him $119.75.

Legal Blog Watch 2009

Turned out the voice was that of Pittsburgh Police Officer Brian Elledge, who promptly cited Hackbart for disorderly conduct.

Legal Blog Watch 2009

When Hackbart appealed, the district attorney withdrew the charges against him.

Legal Blog Watch 2009

As Hackbart raised his middle finger at the other driver, he heard someone say, "Don't flip him off," so he turned and made the same gesture in the direction of the voice.

Legal Blog Watch 2009