Is cursing in public illegal in Georgia?

Asked by: Jerrold Mertz  |  Last update: November 8, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (58 votes)

Mere use of obscene and vulgar or profane language is not necessarily a crime unless such language is also "opprobrious or abusive" and therefore constitutes "fighting words." Crolley v. State, 182 Ga.

Can you get in trouble for cursing in public?

While it`s probably not a good idea to curse in public, most states won`t punish you for it unless it`s followed by threats or words of combat. Some states, such as Virginia, still have pre-Civil War laws that make “profane swearing” a Class 4 offense.

Is verbal abuse a crime in Georgia?

Is Verbal Abuse a Crime in GA? Verbal abuse is defined as threatening someone with violence or sometimes even yelling or aggressively using words to offend or attack someone is a crime.

What are the fighting words in Georgia?

By definition, Fighting Words must be likely to incite a breach of the peace. If the situation is such that no one hearing the words would be able to react to them (an insult yelled out of a passing car, for example), then they aren't Fighting Words (Turner v. State, 274 Ga.

Is cursing considered free speech?

The Court has held that unless “fighting words” are involved, profane language has First Amendment protection. Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, 315 U.S. 568 (1942). The concern with First Amendment protection for the use of profanity is particularly pronounced for political speech.

Undocumented families in Georgia worry about their future as ICE raids continue

37 related questions found

Is it illegal to cuss in front of a child in Georgia?

(4) Without provocation, uses obscene and vulgar or profane language in the presence of or by telephone to a person under the age of 14 years which threatens an immediate breach of the peace. (b) Any person who commits the offense of disorderly conduct shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Can you go to jail for cursing at a cop?

Police officers generally cannot arrest people, nor can the government prosecute them, simply for what they've said.

Is vulgar language a crime?

Generally, cursing in public is not an illegal offense. However, there are some instances where you still could be charged with disorderly conduct when cursing. This includes: If your language incites violence.

What are some Georgia slang words?

Georgia's top 10 slang words
  • Slay - doing something exceptionally well (slaying it). ...
  • Demure — reserved, modest or shy in manner or appearance. ...
  • Aura - the vibe someone gives off. ...
  • Delulu - is short for 'delusional. ...
  • Pookie - to show endearment and affection. ...
  • Brat - Unapologetically rebellious, playful and stylish.

Can you defend yourself in Georgia?

Georgia is a Stand Your Ground state, meaning your rights as to where you may defend yourself is virtually unlimited. Unlike the Castle Doctrine, you can defend yourself beyond your home, vehicle or place of employment.

Can you go to jail for insulting someone?

This means that the answer to the question, “Can you go to jail for verbal abuse?” is yes — if the abuse qualifies as assault. However, it's much more likely that a person found guilty of verbal assault will receive criminal fines and probation instead.

What is the code 16 5 25 in Georgia?

A person charged with the offense of simple assault or simple battery may introduce in evidence any opprobrious or abusive language used by the person against whom force was threatened or used; and the trier of facts may, in its discretion, find that the words used were justification for simple assault or simple ...

What is considered disturbing the peace in Georgia?

It shall be unlawful for any person to create, or cause to be created, a disturbance which interferes with the peace, tranquility and good order of the community. Upon a valid complaint or actual observance by a police officer, the police department may abate said noise or disturbance.

When can you legally cuss?

Cursing in Public: Is It Legal? Although it's probably not a great idea to curse in public, most states won't punish you for it unless it is followed by threats or fighting words.

Can you sue someone for cursing at you?

In some limited situations, a person can sue someone else who yells at or insults them. While the threshold for when an insult crosses the line is rather hazy, there are some clearly defined lines that are helpful for determining the difference between a bad interaction and a legal issue.

Is it illegal to cuss someone out over text?

Appeals Court Says Swearing in Text Messages Isn't a Crime. A 16-year-old California boy dumped by his high school girlfriend didn't violate a state obscenity law by using four-letter words in anguished text messages to his ex, an appellate court ruled this week.

What does bicho mean in Georgia?

Funny..."bicho" means bug in Spanish, and it's commonly used to address pets or children affectionately.

How do you say shut up in Southern slang?

"Hush up" is the Southern way of saying "shut up."

Southerners love to make things sound nicer than they are, so "hush up" is a way to tell someone to "shut up" without sounding too harsh. "Shut up" is viewed as rather rude in the South.

What do rappers call Atlanta?

"The A" or "da A" is also used in hip hop and rap songs such as Ludacris and Lloyd's "How We Do It (in da A)", Lil Scrappy's "The A", and T.I.'s "In da A".

Is there a law against cursing in public?

At times, profanity is a non-protected speech category

Profanity can be regulated, however, under certain circumstances consistent with the First Amendment. Profane rants that cross the line into direct face-to-face personal insults or fighting words are not protected by the First Amendment.

Is profanity assault?

While not by definition “assault”, in some jurisdictions and under certain circumstances, swearing at a person may still be both illegal and prosecutable by fine and/or imprisonment.

Can you wear a shirt with profanity in public?

Protections for clothing in public

The U.S. Supreme Court said in 1971 that clothing with offensive or profane speech is protected by the First Amendment.

Can I tell a cop to shut up?

Certainly. The only time it could be a problem is if an officer is giving you a lawful order and your only response is to say “shut up”. It would be taken as a refusal. But then, so would doing or saying anything other than complying.

What cops don't want you to know?

11 Rights Police Officers Don't Want You To Know About
  • Privacy of Your Phone. You do not have to worry about your phone's contents being exposed. ...
  • Residential Entry. ...
  • Deceptive Tactics. ...
  • Filming The Police Encounter. ...
  • Searching Abandoned Property. ...
  • Leaving Police Station. ...
  • Search Warrant. ...
  • Probable Cause for Stop.

Can you flip off a cop?

According to the First Amendment, you have the right to express yourself, including your frustration, so long as it doesn't harm another person. But does that right extend to flipping off a cop? It isn't against the law to give a police officer the middle finger.