Question 4: Can I criticize the police?
The correct answer is: Yes
The First Amendment grants individuals the freedom to criticize police actions. Courts have upheld this constitutional protection in many circumstances, and for many different offensive words and statements. Even when words directed at police may be “disrespectful, discourteous, and annoying, they are nonetheless constitutionally protected.” State v. E.J.J., No. 88694-6, 2015 WL 3915760 (Wash. June 25, 2015).
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