Final Paragraph:
Courts distinguish between speech that merely annoys an officer and speech that genuinely impedes their work. While police may resent offensive words, they cannot use their authority to punish individuals for lawful, protected conduct. Determining whether speech is protected or unprotected involves careful analysis of all surrounding facts and circumstances.
cloudless@piefed.social 1 month ago
ccunning@lemmy.world 1 month ago
I can attest. Was arrested for “loitering” while exercising my freedom of speech in the vicinity of a cop. Judge threw it out in the end but it was still a hassle.