27: Swearing in Victoria




Talk the Talk show

Summary: Using bad language in Victoria could cost you. Swearing in public is already illegal, but soon police will have the power to issue on-the-spot fines instead of taking the matter to court, which will make enforcement more likely. Where's the line between prohibiting anti-social behaviour and inhibiting freedom of expression? Do laws pertaining to swearing have any place in the 21st century? UWA linguist Daniel Midgley may be breaking the law on this week's Talk the Talk.