Wisconsin Woman Says Popcorn Tirade was 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 this week that her language wasn't inciting violence or a true threat, and therefore is protected speech.

Breitzman was charged with disorderly conduct following a 2012 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.

Prosecutors say the court shouldn't focus on free speech, but on whether Breitzman's attorney was ineffective.