Claims that the middle finger gesture originated with Agincourt are false. In reality, it has existed for centuries and represents many meanings.
Even though displaying the middle finger gesture may be offensive and offensive, it is protected under the First Amendment. Although police officers may stop, ticket or arrest people who display this gesture towards them, courts have held that this type of expression is protected speech and it must not be punished as illegal speech.
Alex Jones’ attorney
Infowars host Alex Jones has issued an apology after his lawyer became embroiled in a heated courtroom exchange on Wednesday with a plaintiff attorney representing parents of Sandy Hook victims, raising his middle finger during their lawsuit over claims by Jones that school shooting was faked. It happened in Texas court, where Jones is facing defamation damages trial over his claims that it happened fabricated.
F. Andino Reynal apologized to Judge Maya Guerra Gamble for his outburst while representing Jones in a lawsuit brought by families of victims claiming emotional distress and lost income as a result of Jones’ claims that the shooting was faked.
Reynal’s outburst came shortly after a judge ordered both parties to review video evidence in the case. Reynal and Mark Bankston, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, exchanged heated words over video footage being reviewed and at one point Reynal moved close to Bankston and called him a “liar”, before giving Bankston his middle finger as proof.
Tamara Curtis’ attorney
The Florida Bar Association is conducting an investigation of one of the attorneys representing Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz. Assistant public defender Tamara Curtis was caught on video this summer before a pretrial hearing rubbing her cheek with her middle finger and laughing together with the convicted mass killer – something which both the judge and parents of victims found unacceptable behavior from Curtis.
Curtis’ actions went against the rules of professional conduct that stipulate that lawyers must show respect for both the legal system and those serving within it. He violated this code of ethics by engaging in this deplorable behavior that was indecent towards both victims’ families and courtroom staff alike.
Attornies should remember their primary role is justice; not making light of horrific events. Curtis must apologize to those affected by her conduct and I hope this investigation brings accountability against her; those lost due to Parkland shooting should not be forgotten.
Gregory Bombard’s attorney
Gregory Bombard, arrested in 2018 for flipping off a state trooper during a traffic stop and later charged with flipping them off back, has recently settled his first Amendment lawsuit against both parties – with $175,000 being divided equally between him and legal fees incurred as part of this settlement agreement. This case was filed by ACLU Vermont and Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
The gesture, known as the “bird,” has long been used to demonstrate discontent with anything or anyone. According to historian Max Nelson, Diogenes likely created this gesture in reference to orator Demosthenes; its invention may even predate human civilization: according to anthropologist David Morris it appears male squirrel monkeys from South America can gesticulate with an upright penis!
Hillary Rich of the ACLU who worked on this case asserts that while this particular police officer may be sensitive to expressions of free speech, middle fingers are constitutionally protected under law. A Vermont State Police representative declined commenting on this incident due to Trooper Jay Riggen having recently retired on May 31.
Vermont’s attorney
Vermont state officials have reached an agreement to pay $175,000 as part of a settlement between Gregory Bombard and Trooper Jay Riggen in connection with his retaliatory arrest of him in 2018. As part of this settlement agreement, neither party admitted wrongdoing but have pledged changes to policies as part of this accord.
On a snowy February 2018 day in St. Albans, Bombard was driving through his hometown to grab coffee and smokes before continuing his commute home. While passing a trooper he gave the middle finger while cursing profusely. Riggen took this as evidence that Bombard insulted him directly.
Attorney General Charity Clark hails from southern Vermont, and holds degrees from Burr & Burton Academy, the University of Vermont and Boston College Law School. Since joining her office as Attorney General she has spearheaded several important projects – expanding expungement clinics so more people can receive assistance – leading them all successfully.
