Texas vs. Johnson (1989)
Details: In protest to the Reagan administration’s policies, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag and was sentenced to one year in jail and as given a $2,000 fine.
Decision/Justification: 5 votes for Johnson, 4 against. The court said that Johnson’s flag burning was a way to express his political beliefs.
Lasting effect (precedent/significance): This case said that burning the flag is acceptable because it is a symbolic speech.
Important/relevant details: If people are offended by how you use your freedom of speech, that does not prohibit what you can and cannot say or do.
Decision/Justification: 5 votes for Johnson, 4 against. The court said that Johnson’s flag burning was a way to express his political beliefs.
Lasting effect (precedent/significance): This case said that burning the flag is acceptable because it is a symbolic speech.
Important/relevant details: If people are offended by how you use your freedom of speech, that does not prohibit what you can and cannot say or do.