She said the verdict showed the difficulties faced by the officers who had to make a split-second decision at a moment rife with danger.

He said the verdict showed that "the system works."

The prosecutor, Robert Twiss, said the verdict showed only that the jury did not believe the government had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

"The verdict shows there's a thin line between free speech and battery," said Maria Bee, the assistant district attorney who tried the case.

"That's America, but this verdict shows the black race has hope."

Legal scholars say the verdict may show a new awareness among juries as well.

Prosecuting lawyers said the verdict showed the city was fighting back.

"Today's verdict shows that this claim was utterly without merit," he said.

Tribunal officials said Wednesday's verdicts showed that the court had overcome most of its troubles.

Senator D'Amato said the verdict showed "that there is more to that than just being political."