SCRANTON — Whether cursing at home can mean jail time has become a court matter in a West Scranton neighborhood.

A 31-year-old mother of four, Dawn Herb, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a disorderly conduct charge that can carry up to a 90-day jail sentence, in connection with a profane tirade she let fly when a toilet backed up on Oct. 11.

American Civil Liberties Union attorney Valerie Burch argues that to criminalize cursing and cite someone for using obscene language in their own home is unconstitutional.

Patrolman Gerald Tallo argues that Herb's cursing could be heard throughout the neighborhood, creating a public disturbance.

By The Associated Press