Which Penal Code section outlines the use of offensive words in public?

The correct choice pertains to Penal Code section 415(3), which specifically addresses the use of offensive words in a public setting. This section defines the act of using offensive words in a manner that is likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction from another person. The law emphasizes the importance of peaceful public discourse and penalizes behavior that disrupts the peace through provocative language.

Understanding this section is crucial for recognizing the balance between free speech and public order. The intent behind regulating offensive words is to prevent situations that may escalate into violence, ensuring that individuals can engage in public spaces without fear of confrontation stemming from verbal provocations.

Other sections, such as Penal Code 415(1) and 415(2), focus on other forms of disorderly conduct, like fighting in a public place or maliciously disturbing others' peace, while Penal Code 647(i) addresses the crime of loitering with the intent to commit a crime, covering a different aspect of public behavior altogether. Each of these sections plays a unique role in maintaining order and peace within society, but 415(3) specifically deals with offensive language and its potential consequences in public settings.