FACTS OF THE CASE
In 1984, in front of the Dallas City Hall, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag as a means of protest against Reagan administration policies. Johnson was tried and convicted under a Texas law outlawing flag desecration. He was sentenced to one year in jail and assessed a $2,000 fine. After the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the conviction, the case went to the Supreme Court.
In 1984, in front of the Dallas City Hall, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag as a means of protest against Reagan administration policies. Johnson was tried and convicted under a Texas law outlawing flag desecration. He was sentenced to one year in jail and assessed a $2,000 fine. After the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the conviction, the case went to the Supreme Court.
QUESTIONS
1) The issue being argued in this case is, should someone be allowed to burn the United States flag in protest due to their first amendment right?
2) The court decided that Johnson's actions had a political nature and that he was expressing his freedom of speech.
3) The court ruled 5 JOHNSON & 4 TEXAS.
4) I agree with this case, in fact, I don't believe there is anything wring with burning the american flag or see why it would be seen as a crime in the first place. And this definitely falls under the first amendment because everyone has the freedom of speech and actions speak louder than words!
5) This case decision affects my life in very minor ways other then me knowing what I can and cannot do, it does let me know though that if i do something in protest and claim it was done out of political nature, then it is legally considered as expression of my freedom of speech.
1) The issue being argued in this case is, should someone be allowed to burn the United States flag in protest due to their first amendment right?
2) The court decided that Johnson's actions had a political nature and that he was expressing his freedom of speech.
3) The court ruled 5 JOHNSON & 4 TEXAS.
4) I agree with this case, in fact, I don't believe there is anything wring with burning the american flag or see why it would be seen as a crime in the first place. And this definitely falls under the first amendment because everyone has the freedom of speech and actions speak louder than words!
5) This case decision affects my life in very minor ways other then me knowing what I can and cannot do, it does let me know though that if i do something in protest and claim it was done out of political nature, then it is legally considered as expression of my freedom of speech.
For more information go to: http://www.oyez.org/cases/1980-1989/1988/1988_88_155