Texas V. Johnson

In 1984, the Republican National Convention was held in Dallas, Texas. alfresco the gathering center, many protesters distributed literature, held signs, and shouted in protest of chairperson Reagans policy-making policies. The crowd grew and became more raucous as the iniquity went on. Among the speakers loose savoir-fairees, the picketers, and the flyer-distributors, there was a man named Gregory Lee Johnson. In the heart and soul of the protest, he unrolled the American flag, soaked it in kerosene, and lit it on fire. As the nations symbol lay burning at the stake on the floor, several(prenominal) protesters chanted, America the red, white, and blue, we spit on you (Wests Encyclopedia of American Law). They managed to anguish many who witnessed the act, so much so that matchless patriot picked up the remains of the charred flag and gave it a neat burial chamber in his back yard. During the protest, no ace was physically hurt, and no property was destroyed, except f or the flag. This would be a major time period in Johnsons defense.         Gregory Johnson was arrested for the desecration of a venerated object, which was illegal in the body politic of Texas. He was convicted in Dallas County Criminal Court No. 8 and sentenced to one twelvemonth in prison and a graceful of $2,000 (Great American Trials) The instance was appealed to the Fifth District Court of Appeals and Johnsons credence was reversed. When the case was brought in front of the autocratic Court, the issue at hand was to situate the constitutionality of the Texas enactment that prohibited the desecration of venerated objects.

The tell! of Texas had passed a statute that made it illegal to desecrate exemplary objects, however, did that statute kick downstairs citizens right to free symbolic speech? This was the issue the Supreme Court was faced with. On one side, it was a... strong constitution just need few sources as well identical Goldstein, Robert Justin (2000). Flag Burning and Free Speech: The Case of Texas v. Johnson. Lawrence, KS: University betoken of Kansas. ISBN 0700610537. Vergobbi, David J. (2003). "Texas v. Johnson". in Parker, Richard A. (ed.). Free Speech on Trial: confabulation Perspectives on Landmark Supreme Court Decisions. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of aluminium Press. pp. 281?297. ISBN 081731301X. If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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