on january 18, 2017, freeman's appeal was transferred by the georgia court of appeals to the georgia supreme court on the grounds that his free speech arguments raised a constitutional question over which the court of appeals could not have jurisdiction. oral arguments in the case were held at the georgia supreme court on may 15, 2017, with freeman representing himself, and daniel sanmiguel representing hall county. arguments before the court focused primarily on whether georgia's disorderly conduct statute (16-11-39(a)(1)), is unconstitutionally broad, whether or not people have a constitutionally protected right to shout in a public place, and on whether or not freeman's conduct - standing, giving a middle finger from 50 yards away, and shouting a religious message - could possibly have violated the statute by representing a reasonable threat of harm.