Is it illegal to flip off a cop?

Question

Not that I would ever do it, but if you were walking down the street and a cop walks by you and you flip him off, can he do anything about it?
I seen this video on youtube where a guy did it and the cop started beating the crap out of him and I just didn't feel that was right. I mean yeah, the guy shouldn't have done it, but the cop just went crazy on him.

Here's the video if anyone wants to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUd-6L7Jgsc

Answer 1

OK, are you ready for this? It is not illegal it is considered free speech, protected by the 1st amendment... Now for the greatest story of all time, supposedly true, but probably not.
A California Highway Patrol officer is cruising the highways, you know, doing the CHP thing when he sees a student on a bus flipping him off.
Being a reasonable person, knowing this is a huge insult in the U.S. he stops the bus and arrests the miscreant for disorderly conduct. When the case reaches the superior court, the judge loudly announces that the charges are dropped, this was the right of free speech, no criminal violation has occurred!
The CHP officer stand up, looks at the judge and asks, "your Honor are you saying there is nothing illegal about flipping someone off?" The judge smiles and says "no, it's free speech, you can't do anything about it!"
The CHP officer says "thank you very much your Honnor" flips him the bird and walks out of court!
It is probably an urban legend, but I love this story so much I hope it is real.

Answer 2

It is not illegal but it's obviously not advisable either. Depending on where you are, the cop could find other things to do about you.

In the video you refer to, it does appear that a little too much force was used however the kid was coming at the cop and moving in ways that could be taken as threatening. The kid deserved what he got if you ask me, but the cop could have done a cleaner job with a little less force.

Answer 3

Legal or not it isn't very smart. However flipping off anyone could be considered lewd behavior and you could have charges brought against you for it. Face facts, although there are many honest and up front police officers, there ARE some who are not so great. That will always be the case. They are the ones who beat on people and abuse their powers. Right or wrong that is one of the facts of life. I wouldn't test the theory if I were you. We are supposed to have the right of free speech but when you really have something to say is when you end up in trouble for saying it.

Answer 4

NO it is not illegal to flip a cop off you have first amendment rights. You can tell the government or a member of the government to F off (flip them off). It is covered by the first amendment.

Funny video though.

Answer 5

Generally, no, it is not illegal to flip off the cop; however, you could be violating some local ordinance about obscene or profane language or acts. Get too flagrant about it and you could be hauled in for Disorderly Conduct. Got a little booze on your breath? Get nailed for Drunk and Disorderly. Offer even the slightest resistance to the arrest and get charged with Resisting Arrest. Stupid acts have consequences.

Answer 6

That video is fake! As for flipping off a cop. It is legal. Not wise...but legal.

Answer 7

Nope but it is rude XD


that vid was staged if it was a real cop he would not act that way

Answer 8

I am sure it is legal with our right to free speech and all. I just think since the police operate above the law the chances that they might find another way to retaliate are pretty high.

Answer 9

I don't know about it being illegal, bit it is definitely NOT a smart things to do.

Answer 10

I starred this question because it is my understanding that flipping one off may be considered assault and an assault charge could be brought. Now I could be wrong; I tried to locate something on a web search but found nothing conclusive. So y'all keep lookin'.