Current Events > Virginia man says his free speech rights were violated after conviction.

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https://wtop.com/virginia/2018/01/virginia-man-asks-court-to-toss-out-conviction-in-noose-case-2/

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A Virginia man who was sentenced to six months in jail for hanging a black-faced dummy by a noose in his front yard has asked the state Supreme Court to overturn his conviction, arguing that his free-speech rights were violated.

Jack Eugene Turner of Rocky Mount was convicted in 2015 of violating a state law that prohibits hanging a noose to intimidate. Turner, whos white, was upset with his black neighbors.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that during a hearing before the Virginia Supreme Court on Wednesday, Turners lawyer argued the state law only bars displays of nooses on public land, not on private property.

An assistant attorney general said Turner does not have an absolute right to make a true threat on private property.

It wasnt immediately clear when the court will rule.

Apparently one of the judges said the attorney was only advocating for his client due to it being his jo and doesn't actually believe in the case lol. Attorney also said case law wasn't on their side.
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