Is it illegal to curse at a cop?

gabs4_28

uhm 1st amendment here....but it could b considered as disorderly conduct n u can go to jail for that....sooo its better to watch ur language

John S

Depends upon local laws, but the answer is "not usually." Cursing at anybody is generally protected speech (no, it is not an assault, an assault is an attempt to commit a battery). However, it is illegal in many states to use language which is inherently likely to provoke a violent reaction. The usual ruling is that police officers, due to their job and training, are not likely to react violently. However, if you are yelling at the officer so that others can hear it, it could be disturbing the peace in most states.

Bottom line, probably not illegal, but certainly stupid.

ADD: Note that in the NYC case referenced below, the charge was not based upon cursing the cop itself, but upon enaging in conduct which could cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm (the fellow was screaming curses in public). Moreover, I think it pretty clear that the ordinance at issue is unconstitutional under Chapman v. California, in which the US Supreme Court said that a person could not be punished for having a jacket that said "F*** the Draft" even though members of the public might take offense.

flyboss1107

not illegal..but a really stupid thing to do...
think of it this way..
he's there to do a job...
like it or not..he is there to uphold the law..
if you are breaking the law..it is NOT HIS FAULT...
you shouldn't be so stupid..

spanky1492

No it's not illegal but unless you want to land hard on the trunk or the ground while being arrested....well go ahead.

jefro

You can be charged with disorderly conduct which the law in most all states.There's also a good chance of being charged with resisting arrest and they kick the crap out of you. Your word against thiers and they win every time.

mikey

Nope not illegal to curse at a cop. But I would bet you would complain if we cursed at you. Don't say anything that could be mistaken as a threat. Trust Me.

When in public, you can use every form of profanity known to man. The moment you direct it towards anyone, not just an officer, you have committed a crime. Most commonly, if towards regular citizens, this is considered Disorderly Conduct - Language. If it is towards an official of the state or someone in Law Enforcement, it usually becomes a form of assault. of some sort. The reason for the higher degree of offense is that State Officials and Law Enforcement Officials hold a form of authority in society. Because of that authority, it makes them more succept to having people verbally attack them even if they were not directly involved with anything that happened to the person on the attack.

Raymond K OFFICIAL

It can be considered assault even if the person isn't the police.

L J

Yea you can curse just no threats against him but heres the kicker if there was ever a chance that you could walk you just ''BLEW IT DUDE''

onalaska_speedracer04

it is illegal in some states if it goes to the point of disturbing anyone....even if the state doesn't uphold it the municipality might and you may not be arrested for a violation of state law but you could be arreste dfor violating a municipal code in causing a disturbance.

also if the officer is in the middle of an investigaiton or trying to solve an issue on a call and you start cussing them out, you could be arrested for obstructing an investigation.

*****

That is asking for it, not a smart move at all.

John71

Yes especially if others are around and hear you. Then you get arrested.

blackmule

Policemen like it when you curse at them. Go ahead and make a policeman happy.

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