This I read somewhere a very long time ago, when I had to 'digest' law books, do not remember if it was used as an example to illustrate a law case in point or some story I read, anyway: with regards calling a person(s) bastard(s).
A countess sue a man a man for calling her a pig & the case went before the magistrate, the man was fined for calling the countess a "pig". After being sentenced, he asked the magistrate, Your Honor, it is wrong that I called the countess a "pig', Yes! the magistrate replied, Your Honor, can I name & call a pig "countess", The Magistrate replied "Yes", the man turned to the countess and say, "Good day to you, countess".
It depends on whom you are calling "bastard" & when the word is used..