Texas+v+Johnson

//Texas v. Gregory Lee Johnshon// Arugued: March 21st, 1989 Decided: June 21st, 1989
 * Important Dates:**


 * Premise:** Pertains to flag burning and freedom of speech. Is flag burning protected by the First Amendment?


 * Background:** Johnson participated in a political demonstration in Dallas in 1984; the purpose of which was to protest Reagan Administration's and certain corporations' policies. At some point, Johnson was handed an American flag, when they reach Dallas City Hall, Johnson doused the flag in kerosene and lit it on fire. No one was hurt or threatened, but some witnesses were seriously offended. One witness took the flag's remains and buried them in the backyard. Johnson was charged with desecration of a venerated object, convicted, and sentenced to one year in prison plus a $2,000 fine.


 * Opinion of the Court:** Delivered by Justice Brennan. The First Amendment has long been recognized as protecting more than just the spoken or written word, but to the expression of an idea. The way to protect the flag isn't to punish those who feel differently, but persuade them that they are wrong.


 * Dissenting Opinion:** For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation, a uniqueness that justifies the government prohibiting flag burning.

Street Law, Inc. & The Supreme Court Historical Society. (n.d.) Texas v. Johnson (1989) //Flag Burning, Freedom of Speech.// Retrieved from []