In the case of Texas v. Johnson, the state of Texas claimed that desecrating the American flag was not protected speech under the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court decided that it was. In 1–2 sentences, explain why the Supreme Court made this decision.

Question

In the case of Texas v. Johnson, the state of Texas claimed that desecrating the American flag was not protected speech under the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court decided that it was. In 1–2 sentences, explain why the Supreme Court made this decision.

Your answer could include: (U4L5 page 21)
if protest does not result in violence, it should be allowed
protected speech allowed even if it is offensive to many people

Answer 1

The Supreme Court made this decision because they ruled that political expression, even if it is deemed offensive or disrespectful, is protected speech under the First Amendment as long as it does not incite violence.