Texas v. Johnson
Background Information
In 1984 Gregory Lee Johnson burned an
American to protest against Reagan administration policies.
Johnson was tried and convicted under a Texas law banning flag burning. He was sent to one year in jail and had a $2,000 fine. After the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals changed the conviction, the case went to the Supreme Court.
Constitutional Question
The amendment that was in question was the 1st Amendment involving the freedom of speech.
Decision/Lasting Effect
The Court ruled 5 votes for Johnson, 4 votes against. The Court held that Johnson's burning of a flag was protected under the First Amendment. The Government can not ban an expression because people think its wrong.