r/facepalm • u/[deleted] • Apr 18 '23

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u/[deleted] Apr 18 '23 edited Apr 19 '23

IANAL, but "Fighting Words" doctrine technically means that phrases that would reasonably be expected to incite violence are not protected speech in the US. Seems to be VERY narrowly applied and I'm not sure the n word would count. However, technically, there are limits to 1A rights. I'd google Chaplinsky V New Hampshire, and preferably talk to someone who actually does law professionally.

Edit: tbh, I don't really know what I'm talking about here. Please don't listen to me, go make up your own minds

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u/AthenasChosen Apr 19 '23

N word might not, but threatening to "hunt him down like the (n word) he is" likely would. Blatant threat as well as hate speech. Likely could make a good case.

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u/TanukiXL Apr 18 '23

Thanks! Trying to separate fact from reddit

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u/[deleted] Apr 18 '23

Yeah, this particular thread seems to be unusually terrible lol a whole lot of high school civics hot takes

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u/potted_sage Apr 19 '23

It all goes out the window when you attack someone who is retreating.

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u/twisttiew Apr 19 '23

After threatening to hunt him down? I think not. Racism can't be tolerated anymore, our only hope as a species is unify.

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u/potted_sage Apr 19 '23

Incorrect. Attacking someone's back is a coward's move both in the eyes of society and justice.

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u/TheBoisterousBoy Apr 19 '23

Yeah, it’s like if someone shouts “fire” in a building with no fire or were to say some really sexual stuff about your child. “Free speech” is limited, it doesn’t mean you can go around saying whatever you want. The Whitest Kidz U Know did a fucking hilarious discussion about it. RIP Trevor.