No Foul Language Allowed in Public in These States



The Constitution protects your First Amendment right to free speech, but that doesn't mean you can say whatever you like and get away with it. States have different views on cursing, and these views have shaped how they choose to regulate it. Constitutional interpretation is tricky, especially when it comes to cursing. That's because some states choose to categorize cursing under obscene language, an expression that falls under unprotected speech. In addition to obscene speech, the Supreme Court has ruled that some expressions don't fall under protected speech, including fighting words and language that incites violence. Although it’s not a good idea to curse in public, most states won’t punish you for it unless it’s followed by threats or fighting words. Some states, like Virginia, still have laws predating the Civil War which make “profane swearing” a Class 4 misdemeanor. Similarly, in Mississippi you could be looking at 30 days in the county jail if you profanely swear or curse in front of two persons or more. Georgia considers cursing illegal only if it’s done in front of a person under the age of 14, while in Alabama cursing in public is a Class C misdemeanor and is considered disorderly conduct. As for the other states, cursing in public is still considered free speech.