jun 21, 1989 - Texas v Johnson
Description:
Context: This case was argued and decided during Ronald Reagan's term as President of the United States. An American named Gregory Johnson burned a flag to protest Reagan's policies. He was arrested and charged for flag desecration. The cases question was if flag burning was protected by the Freedom of Speech.
Impact: The Supreme Court decided that flag burning was a form of speech that was political and protected by the First Amendment. The majority in the court stated that the audience does not have the right to prohibit speech if they are offended by it. Since its protected by the First Amendment, flag burning is a form of protest speech that is still being practiced to this day.
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