The date of the most recent prosecution would be a little bit more telling about the cultural atmosphere than just having the law on the books.<p>For example, only recently did my state repeal some stupid laws, removing them from the state code:<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.thedailybeast.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;2015&#x2F;08&#x2F;20&#x2F;it-s-almost-legal-to-swear-in-front-of-your-kids-in-michigan.html" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.thedailybeast.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;2015&#x2F;08&#x2F;20&#x2F;it-s-almost...</a><p>Still, it was big news 15 years ago when someone was prosecuted under the swearing law, and the courts eventually tossed the law:<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;lubbockonline.com&#x2F;stories&#x2F;040102&#x2F;upd_075-8555.shtml" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;lubbockonline.com&#x2F;stories&#x2F;040102&#x2F;upd_075-8555.shtml</a><p>I label that unsurprising inertia more than I label it embarrassing.