Offensive Behaviour
Offensive behaviour includes using offensive language and offensive conduct.
What is offensive conduct?
Offensive conduct observes this offence from the point of view of a "reasonable person". The law says a person must not conduct themselves in an offensive manner in or near, or within view or hearing from, a public place or a school. That person does not conduct themselves in an offensive manner if they were merely using offensive language.
If you have been charged with offensive conduct, a possible defence for your offensive conduct is if you can demonstrate to the court that you had a reasonable excuse for conducting yourself in that manner.
This offence carries a fine of $660 or a gaol sentence of 3 months.
What is offensive language?
Similar to offensive conduct, you must not use offensive language in or near, or within hearing from, a public place or a school. You may be able to defend yourself from prosecution if you are able to satisfy the court that you had a reasonable excuse for using offensive language.
This offence carries a fine of $660 or the court can order you to perform community service work (maximum of 100 hours).
