Article updated: 11/7/2012 6:19 PM

Trial focused on police culture goes to jury

Buy this photo Buy this photo
next prev 1 of 2
   
Gallery Image

This image from video released by FOX News Chicago shows off-duty Chicago police officer Anthony Abbate, center, beating a female bartender, on floor, at a Chicago bar.

Associated Press

Anthony Abbate was convicted of aggravated battery in 2009.

Associated Press file photo

About this Article

The potentially landmark civil trial that confronts the sensitive question head-on of whether there's a code of silence and protection ingrained in Chicago's police department was turned over to the jury Wednesday. The case stems from the conviction of off-duty officer Anthony Abbate's notorious 2007 beating of a female bartender half his size.