As reported in today’s New York Post, plaintiff Robert Bell has agreed to settle his case against the City of New York for $15,000.
If you recall, Bell sued last summer, claiming he was falsely arrested after displaying his middle finger to NYPD officers. You can read more about his lawsuit (and read his complaint) here. You can also read about the Second Circuit’s recent decision in Swartz v. Insogna (which also involved a false arrest claim arising from a middle finger-inspired arrest) here. The Swartz decision is particularly noteworthy for its citation to a Ira P. Robbins’ fascinating law review article “Digitus Impudicus: The Middle Finger and the Law”.
So, the next time you’re gearing up for a night on the town that might involve an interaction with the NYPD, make sure to bring copies of Bell’s complaint and the Swartz opinion – just in case.