Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

I have friend(s) of mine who own their own house but have a neighbor who is really annoying. He asks them if there is anyway for them to stop cussing while they are outside. I do not know much about law, but what I would think is that legally you can say whatever you want as long as it doesn't constitute as slander upon the neighbor or exceed a certain volume. I am just curious how far freedom of speech goes. Thank you so much for responding.


Asked on 7/18/10, 4:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter Palmer Law Office of Walter Palmer

They are protected. If they were having a loud party until 2 AM, they would probably not be. The limits on free speech are limited by Time, Place and Manner. A backyard is a palace where almost anything goes. Time is a limitation, but not in the "Children present" sort of way. In this situation, I would say that from midnight to about 5 AM. Manner would be amplified sound.

There are no objective limits - just what the Justices would find objectionable.

I sympathize - our neighbor seemed to support what sounded like "cussing contests". They were parties. They would finish about 11 PM. It was as if those construction workers were legal scholars and knew exactly where the line was. However, most people who do something know just how far they can go.

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Answered on 7/19/10, 5:09 am


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