Texas vs. Johnson

#5

1884

“Johnson appealed his conviction and his case eventually went to the Supreme Court. Johnson argued that the Texas flag desecration statute violated the First Amendment.” The state of Texas then argued that “it had an interest in preserving the flag as a symbol of national unity.” https://billofrightsinstitute.org/educate/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-supreme-court-cases-elessons/texas-v-johnson-1989/

#1

1984

“In a political demonstration during the Republican National Convention in Texas, protesting the policies of the Reagan Administration and of certain corporations based in Dallas, Gregory Lee Johnson doused an American flag with kerosene and set it on fire.” http://landmarkcases.org/en/landmark/cases/texas_v_johnson#Tab=Overview

#3

1984

“Johnson was charged and convicted with the desecration of a “venerated object”, in violation of the Texas Penal Code.” http://landmarkcases.org/en/landmark/cases/texas_v_johnson#Tab=Overview

#2

1984

As the flag burned, Johnson and his fellow demonstrators marched around the burning flag shouting, “America, the red, white, and blue, we spit on you.” Though no one was injured by the fire, many people were offended. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/educate/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-supreme-court-cases-elessons/texas-v-johnson-1989/

#4

1984

Johnson was sentenced to a year in prison and was fined $2,000. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/educate/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-supreme-court-cases-elessons/texas-v-johnson-1989/

#6: Question at Hand

1984

“The Court had to consider: Are there certain symbols that are so widely cherished and understood to convey certain meanings that the government can regulate their use?“ https://billofrightsinstitute.org/educate/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-supreme-court-cases-elessons/texas-v-johnson-1989/

#7: Court Decision

1989

“The Court agreed with Johnson (5-4) and struck down the Texas statute. Burning a U.S. flag in protest was expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment.” https://billofrightsinstitute.org/educate/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-supreme-court-cases-elessons/texas-v-johnson-1989/