Mother says profanity leveled toward son is free speech

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court is deciding whether a mother's profane tirade against her 14-year-old son for burning popcorn amounted to free speech.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that 44-year-old Ginger Breitzman argued last week that her language wasn’t inciting violence or a true threat, and therefore is protected speech.

Breitzman was charged with disorderly conduct following the incident where she screamed at her son while he was talking to a friend on the phone. Her son later called the police.

A Milwaukee County jury convicted Breitzman. She was sentenced to six months in jail.

Breitzman appealed, saying her attorney was ineffective for not arguing the charge violated her free speech.