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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Judge Declares Mistrial In Free-Speech Lawsuit


A federal judge in Knoxville has declared a mistrial in a teenager's free speech lawsuit over a dress code that banned him from wearing Confederate flag clothing.

The jury deliberated about 13 hours but was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the case of 18-year-old Tommy DeFoe.

Judge Tom Varlan dismissed the jury Friday.

DeFoe's Nashville lawyer said they would like a new trial.

DeFoe's lawsuit contends his rights were violated by an Anderson County schools dress policy that bars students from wearing clothing with the flag.