Texas v. Johnson
Year:Decided on June,21,1989Results:4 votes Texas, 5 votes against, in favor of Johnson
Constitutional Issue:The freedom of speech under the 1st amendment
Civil Rights/Liberties:Civil Liberties
Significance:It held that Johnson's burning of the flag was protected under the 1st amendment.It also deemed laws prohibiting flag burning were in fact unconstitutional.
Quote from Majority Opinion:Justice Brennan wrote, "After publicly burning an American flag as a means of political protest, Gregory Lee Johnson was convicted of desecrating a flag in violation of Texas law. This case presents the question whether his conviction is consistent with the First Amendment. We hold that it is not."
Dissent:They argued that the flag has represent us as a nation for over 200 years, and for someone to burn it is disrespect towards our nation.This disrespect could cause a disruption in the public peace, which would be a violation of the 1st amendment.
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