I've been fighting with my friend who says that its never illegal to call someone a name. Freedom of speech only gets you so far. Maybe blurting a name real quick isn't illegal, but if you make it personal and use the name? Isn't that harrassment or something?
2007-01-14 16:55:08 · 11 answers · asked by Scott W 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are ignorant than to open it with a racially derogatory remark and prove it.
2007-01-14 17:01:35 · answer #1 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be illegal, because the person may be offended. Not only do you have the freedom of speech, but they have the right to be protected and have a safe environment. It all depends on the time-place-manner of the situation and the person. Also is what your calling someone a racially derogatory name that could result as a clear and present danger, so that may be grounds for harassment or a threat.
2007-01-15 01:05:25 · answer #2 · answered by tallwhiteguy00 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure if it's Illegal, but it can definately land you in court. Using a racial slur can definately get you sued for a number of things including emotional distress which is a fun way of saying you did it to make them feel bad and now they want to get paid for it. Seems silly, but it's real.
A lot of local areas have laws against the use of "vulgar" language in public as well, or in front of women or kids. (Some of the laws are old and sexist, sorry.) This goes with the idea that free speech doesn't include your right to yell Fire in a crowded place. You can say fire all you want, you can say a buildings on fire in your home, but you do it in the wrong place and it could get you in trouble. Freedom of speech protects his right to talk to his friends and use racially derogatory language, but if your area has the sort of law prhibiting vulgar language in public, it very well may prohibit that as well.
2007-01-15 01:38:00 · answer #3 · answered by govnathan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I imagine its grounds for a civil suit, but not really criminial. Unless its used along with a crime. For instance, you rob someone and at the same time are calling them racial names-that would be considered a hate crime.But just to use the term isnt really a crime. Mike Richards didnt go to jail did he?
2007-01-15 01:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably gets illegal about same time somebody gets punched n the mouth.
2007-01-15 01:03:59 · answer #5 · answered by Wattsup! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech has limitations especially when it is oppressive to others. Thus, you cannot call someone with a racially derogatory name since it will constitute as an insult on the person.
2007-01-15 00:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
ok if i were to call you a ********. This is not illegal, however it does cound as harassment. If you were to be stupid and cuss out a cop and call him every name in the book he DOES have the power to arrest you. This falls under a VARIETY of choices. Most of which are considered disordery conduct.
p.s. i take back what i called you
2007-01-15 01:05:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not illegal, it just indicates an arrested state of developement.
And its just bad publicity, as indicated by the well know case of a certain senate candidate..........
2007-01-15 01:04:43 · answer #8 · answered by WOMBAT, Manliness Expert 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not illegal. It's mean.
But, when you are famous or in a political position
you tend to get sued for it.
2007-01-15 01:04:45 · answer #9 · answered by LostVega$ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in public it can be-obsenity laws
and yes it can be harassment
2007-01-15 01:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋