Freedom of Speech?

Question

Can i say whatever i want to a police officer? If not, why?

Answer 1

Freedom of expression is completely open for you to express your feelings, thoughts and opinions. However, there are main issues that can get you into major trouble The first and foremost being slander, if you are saying things that are untrue to purposely hurt, injure or cause financial damage you can be sued for the damages. Threatening comments can get you into trouble for verbal abuse or verbals assault.

In respect to a police officer, again you can say what you want but when they read you your rights, they say "what you say can be used against you in a court of law" Normally meaning if you admit to a crime or anything you say can be presented in a court to evaluate if you did crimes etc.

Finally, taunting a police officer yelling, or any other way of wrongly expressing yourself could get you into trouble for dissent to a officer, verbal abuse, disturbance of the peace.

So to answer your question, you can voice and use your freedom of speech but how you do it and within what context can harm you. Express yourself in a proper way and venue and you should not have any problem.

Answer 2

Try to focus on the difference between having the legal right to say something nasty to a police officer and it being a good idea to do so as a practical, realistic matter.

And so my answer to you would be that, yes, you can say whatever you want to a police officer as long as you are not threatening him or interfering with his performance of his duty, but you might not like what happens to you afterwards. Some things are your right, but sometimes it just isn't smart to insist on your rights.

Answer 3

No. You cannot say something that is physically threatening. But whatever you decide to say to a police officer can and will be used as evidence against you. So best to keep your mouth shut if you can't say something courteous. He's the guy with the gun and handcuffs.

Answer 4

There are words of refusal to obey an order from a police officer.
There are profane words deemed unacceptable for public discussion or use in official communcations.

There are "Fighting Words"

All of these forms of speech are deemed hazardous to public safety and many courts have upheld these concepts.

There are also words of stupidity. If you talk stupid to a police officer, who has a gun, nightstick, and handcuffs, don't cry about what happens.

Answer 5

You can say whatever you want, as long as it's not threatening. However, keep in mind that the officer has the option of letting you go with a warning, or throwing the book at you. I, for one, wouldn't let someone go free if he said mean things to me.

Answer 6

Freedom of speech!??? There is no such thing! Just about everything you say can someday get you in trouble somehow. Even if you are only speaking your mind. I once got a ticket for saying a cop was a dumbass, and I didnt even say it to him. He cut me off and i said it in my car with all windows up, and he read my lips, pulled me over & gave me a ticket.

Answer 7

sure. the officer can also arrest you.

there are things like fighting words, hostile audiences, and various other forms of non-protected speech.

see the fire in a crowded theatre example as well.

Answer 8

Yes, you can say whatever you like but there may be consequences for saying it.

Answer 9

You can do whatever you want. There may be consequences though.

Answer 10

You cannot threaten them, slander them or anything like that, otherwise let freedom ring.