Law School Admission Test /Texas v. Johnson (1989) – First Amendment Landmark Case
Texas v. Johnson (1989) – First Amendment Landmark Case
This deck covers the key aspects of the Texas v. Johnson case, a significant First Amendment landmark case. It includes questions about the trial, constitutional issues, court decisions, and impacts of the case.
What was Gregory Lee Johnson tried for by the state of Texas?
For burning an American flag
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
What was Gregory Lee Johnson tried for by the state of Texas?
For burning an American flag
What Amendment of the Constitution did Johnson claim to protect his actions?
First Amendment
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Which court believed "the First Amendment does not protect activities such as desecrating the national flag?
Texas Court of Appeals
What was the argument of the plaintiff?
Johnson is not protected under the First Amendment for his act of burning the flag
What was the argument of the defendant?
Johnson was expressing himself through the First Amendment, which he is protected by, and therefore shall not be punished
What was the constitutional issue involved in the case?
Is Johnson protected by the First Amendment? Is the burning of an American Flag a criminal offense? Is flag burning legal due to the freedom of expres...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What was Gregory Lee Johnson tried for by the state of Texas? | For burning an American flag |
What Amendment of the Constitution did Johnson claim to protect his actions? | First Amendment |
Which court believed "the First Amendment does not protect activities such as desecrating the national flag? | Texas Court of Appeals |
What was the argument of the plaintiff? | Johnson is not protected under the First Amendment for his act of burning the flag |
What was the argument of the defendant? | Johnson was expressing himself through the First Amendment, which he is protected by, and therefore shall not be punished |
What was the constitutional issue involved in the case? | Is Johnson protected by the First Amendment? Is the burning of an American Flag a criminal offense? Is flag burning legal due to the freedom of expression, speech, and protest? |
What was the Supreme Court's Majority Decision? | (1989) William J. Brennan Jr. wrote the majority decision inferring that all states prohibitions on desecrating the American Flag are invalid. |
Name one immediate impact | Public outrage due to offensive view |
Name one long-term impact | Stance of state prohibition remains invalid |
Explain why Texas vs. Johnson is a landmark case. | Expressed the definition of the First Amendment and the interpretation which still remains undefined to this day |
What was the Supreme courts outcome | The fact that an audience takes offense to certain ideas or expression, the Court found, does not justify prohibitions of speech. |
What was the Supreme Court ruling? | Proper exercise of the First Amendment |