Nowadays, if a person says “I am going to kill you.” This person can go to jail for a criminal act. Thus, knowing what you can say and can’t say now is vital to protect your self from the law. If you tell someone “I am going to kill you”, you are committing what is known as a “communicating threat.” Likewise, if you threaten or claim to plan an act of harm against the President or other state officials, you are subject to arrest.
Since terrorist attacks and threats have increased markedly, Congress has passed new laws that require the arrest of anyone making threats against another person. The “Part II, Article 2, Section 211.3” is laid out under the “Model Penal Code” and states that anyone who “threatens to commit any crime of violence with purpose to terrorize another person” is subject to arrest under federal laws. Of course, the laws continue further; however, the topics are not touching base with common threats made by civilians.
This is a very important question asked, since it is a common statement made by many, “I am going to kill you,” when the person is only making a statement that is not intended to harm another and is sometimes even in jest. I brought this point out, since again it is a common statement made by many, therefore, if you are accustomed to making such statements, you may want to watch out as to who you are talking to.
Thus, laws are constantly changing; therefore, keeping up with the laws can save you heartache down the road. For more information on freedom of speech, you may want to check your local and state penal codes. Not knowing your laws can make it possible for you to be thrown in jail or sued for making a joke.
