Pittsburgh police in court on 1st Amendment rights

PITTSBURGH - The American Civil Liberties Union and attorneys for Pittsburgh will be in federal court this week to determine if city police officers are properly trained on First Amendment matters.

The ACLU contends Pittsburgh police too frequently issue citations for swearing, obscene gestures, and other acts deemed disrespectful.

The case, which starts today, concerns a Pittsburgh man cited for disorderly conduct for flipping his middle finger. David Hackbart made the gesture at another driver in April 2006, then made the gesture again when he heard someone yelling at him - realizing only later the second person was a police officer.

A federal judge ruled in March that Hackbart should not have been cited because he was engaging in constitutionally protected expression. Jurors will also determine damages for Hackbart. - AP