Today, the town of Middleborough, MA, voted 183-50 to approve a fine of $20 for anyone caught swearing in public. source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/06/11/mass-town-weighs-20-fines-for-swearing-in-public
FIrst of all, for a town with a population of about 20,000 residents, that's a disgraceful turnout for the vote.
Second, I foresee a potential First Amendment violation here in regards to "abridging the freedom of speech" .
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Citation: "The Constitution of the United States," Amendment 1.
It could be argued that the law was passed so that people would not be offended by the speech of others, but nowhere in the Constitution is there any mention of a "right to remain un-offended". This law is designed to abridge freedom of speech by imposing a fine for public profanity.
Yet another example of government curtailing the rights of the people.
FIrst of all, for a town with a population of about 20,000 residents, that's a disgraceful turnout for the vote.
Second, I foresee a potential First Amendment violation here in regards to "abridging the freedom of speech" .
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Citation: "The Constitution of the United States," Amendment 1.
It could be argued that the law was passed so that people would not be offended by the speech of others, but nowhere in the Constitution is there any mention of a "right to remain un-offended". This law is designed to abridge freedom of speech by imposing a fine for public profanity.
Yet another example of government curtailing the rights of the people.
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