Posted Online: Dec. 04, 2012, 12:52 pm
City, bartender ask judge to vacate verdict
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CHICAGO (AP) — The city of Chicago and a bartender whose videotaped beating by an off-duty police officer drew national attention have taken the unusual step of asking a judge to toss a landmark civil verdict in the case. In deciding against the city last month, jurors determined some officers follow a code of silence protecting rogue colleagues like the officer involved, Anthony Abbate. This week's joint motion would let stand $850,000 in damages awarded to Karolina Obrycka. If Judge Amy St. Eve grants the motion, the city would forgo any appeal and pay Obrycka the full damages immediately. Otherwise, a payment could be delayed years. Striking the verdict would deny others suing the city the chance to cite it as precedent. There's a status hearing in the case Friday.
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