Empire State skydiver cites Constitution

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- An attempt to parachute from New York's Empire State Building is being defended on constitutional grounds.

Lawyer Mark Jay Heller was in court Friday painting the foiled jump from the Manhattan landmark as an exercise of the right of free speech on the part of his daredevil client, Jeb Corliss.

"Some people express themselves with words," Heller said during the arraignment. "This man expresses himself with actions."

Corliss wasn't able to express himself because he was stopped before he could take the plunge, the New York Post said Saturday. Heller said the fact no one was hurt was another reason to drop the reckless endangerment charge.

The judge said he would rule on the request at a later date.