A Landmark Case

Flag Burning and the First Amendment

A Landmark Case

Texas v. Johnson

In 1989, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag in protest against U.S. policies. His actions led to a landmark Supreme Court case, Texas v. Johnson, in which the Court ruled that flag burning is protected by the First Amendment. This case has since become an important precedent for cases involving freedom of expression and the burning of flags and other symbols.

First Amendment Protections

The Supreme Court's ruling in Texas v. Johnson was based on the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech, press, and assembly. The Court held that flag burning is a form of symbolic speech that is protected by the First Amendment. The majority opinion, written by Justice William Brennan, argued that "the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable."

Revered Symbol

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, flag burning remains a controversial issue. Many people argue that it is disrespectful to burn the flag, as it is a symbol of the country and its values. However, others argue that flag burning is a legitimate form of protest and that it is protected by the First Amendment.