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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

Judge strikes down North Carolina ban on public profanity

By TOM BREEN

Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. – A North Carolina judge has struck down a 98-year-old state ban on public profanity.

Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour dismissed a misdemeanor charge against Chapel Hill resident Samantha Elabanjo on Wednesday. She had been convicted in July of using the word “damn” during a confrontation with police officers.

Baddour ruled the law against indecent or profane language within earshot of two or more people on any public road in North Carolina was unconstitutionally vague.