The trail etiquette is clear: yield to others. The man's refusal to do so is a blatant disregard for common courtesy. My client was merely asserting her right to the trail and pushing back against a pervasive sense of entitlement. While the reaction might seem harsh, it's a justified response to constant disrespect.
The defendant's actions are nothing more than a case of self-righteous aggression. Instead of communicating or simply stepping aside, she chose to initiate physical contact. This is assault, plain and simple. Her excuse of fighting 'entitlement' is a flimsy justification for her own bad behavior and desire to start a conflict.
While the man may have been rude, the woman's reaction was disproportionate. Physical contact, even a 'bump,' is an escalation that could have been avoided. Both parties share blame, but the woman's decision to initiate contact carries more responsibility. The 'eye for an eye' mentality is not acceptable in a civilized society.