Occupy members want Ohio trespass charges tossed

CINCINNATI (AP) — Occupy Cincinnati members have been demonstrating outside a courthouse while a judge hears arguments involving trespassing charges against members accused of staying in a park past closing time.

Protesters outside the Hamilton County Courthouse today held signs spelling out the First Amendment. Protesters’ attorneys are asking the judge to dismiss the misdemeanor charges that they say violate free-speech rights. Protesters say the park rules aren’t laws.

The city says violations of park rules are misdemeanors.

Occupy members say the hearing is expected to take at least two days.

The group is part of a national movement that began in September in New York’s Wall Street financial district against what protesters call corporate greed.