Appeals Court Ruling Is *&%#%^ Brilliant!

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled today that a government policy that can lead to fining broadcasters for airing a single curse word on live television is “unconstitutionally vague” and potentially a violation of the 1st Amendment.

This all came to light back in 2003 when Bono exclaimed during a live awards show that U2 winning a Golden Globe was “really f-ing brilliant.”

Of course, Janet Jackson’s exposed breast during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2006 didn’t help matters. Following that incident, Congress voted to increase the maximum fine for each violation to $325,000.

Today’s ruling will help prevent crippling fines for slips that censors aren’t quick enough to catch, and provide a little breathing room for…em…wardrobe malfunctions.

(c) Kokkoris/@U2, 2010.