Opinion ID: 1561244
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Incident of 5 August 1987 Language in Court.

Text: The final incident occurred on 5 August 1987, during a hearing before Judge H.W. Harlan, Jr. in the District Court of Maryland in Harford County. This hearing was held on Alison's petition, for return of the handgun seized during the incident of 25 August 1986. Judge Hinkel found that during the course of arguing a point of law, Alison exclaimed bullshit and was admonished by Judge Harlan. Alison immediately apologized. Alison denies that he directed any such comment to the court. Alison testified that the State's Attorney was making a point in argument that Alison thought was particularly absurd, and Alison muttered bullshit under his breath. He admits that the trial judge heard at least part of what he said.