A Vermont man received $175,000 to settle his lawsuit against the state police for violating his First Amendment rights by arresting him for giving a middle finger and cursing at a trooper.
The man was arrested twice, charged with disorderly conduct, had his mug shot circulated, and was towed, with the police later issuing a citation for arraignment despite the charges being dismissed.
The officer and state did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement. The officer retired, and the state police declined to comment on the case.
Cases involving gestures like the middle finger have blurred lines between free expression and law enforcement, as highlighted by previous legal battles.
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