2006-12-10 14:57:25 · 9 answers · asked by whatuknowaboutthatisback 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The fighting words doctrine was first established in Chaplisky v. New Hampshire (1942). In this case, the Supreme Court evaluated the constitutionality of a State law that criminalized saying things that would most likely incite an immediate breach of the peace. The Court determined that such utterances-- fighting words-- are not protected by the First Amendment's right to free speech. This means that States are free to outlaw fighting words.
The short answer to your question is: fighting words = utterances that would most likely cause immediate violence.
2006-12-10 18:52:28 · answer #1 · answered by John Tiggity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are some words that could justify or mitigate an assault. They were primarily codified in the South. But did creep into the common law to an extent.
For example "you wife is a whore."
It is a concept and defense that has essentially, if not totally (excpet in mitigation) disappeared.
2006-12-10 23:28:34 · answer #2 · answered by beckychr007 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I never heard of a "LEGAL" definition of "fighting words", but I would suppose that any inflammatory phrase that incites one person to lash out at another can be called "fighting words".
2006-12-10 23:18:43 · answer #3 · answered by Len_NJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There aren't any. It's all about physicality. If someone threatens your person physically you are able to react in a reasonable manner. Still then a judge or a jury may be deciding whether or not you had cause.
2006-12-10 22:59:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any words that will insite a fight in public " Insiting a riot". Could be ethnic slur, or gender based or anything that would be make someone mad on purpose.
2006-12-10 23:00:07 · answer #5 · answered by audrey_halley2004 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
None unless he shows that he is goiing to hurt you by hitting you or doubles his fist up an then you can pritect yourself
2006-12-10 23:04:24 · answer #6 · answered by bigdogrex 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Them's
2006-12-10 22:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by LadyRebecca 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
how about
"you're going down! watch your back"
or
"i'm going to kill your family"
either one and i'm all fists!!
grraaawwwhhh!!
2006-12-10 22:59:07 · answer #8 · answered by tami 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
...I want to fight you... does that work?
2006-12-10 22:59:13 · answer #9 · answered by takeashot30 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋