Analyze the reason that the Supreme Court found the burning of a flag to be protected free speech as it did in Texas v. Johnson.(1 point)

Question

Responses

This action did not defame or insult anyone. It created no harm.
This action did not defame or insult anyone. It created no harm.

This action, if done on private property, is within the rights of a private citizen.
This action, if done on private property, is within the rights of a private citizen.

This action is symbolic speech. The action symbolizes a viewpoint.
This action is symbolic speech. The action symbolizes a viewpoint.

This action is legal as long as it is done in a respectful manner in order to dispose of an old flag.
This action is legal as long as it is done in a respectful manner in order to dispose of an old flag.

Answer 1

The correct response to analyze why the Supreme Court found the burning of a flag to be protected free speech in Texas v. Johnson is:

This action is symbolic speech. The action symbolizes a viewpoint.

In this landmark case, the Supreme Court ruled that flag burning constitutes free speech under the First Amendment because it is a form of symbolic speech—expressing a political statement or viewpoint. The Court emphasized that the government cannot prohibit speech simply because it is offensive or disagreeable, reinforcing the principle that protection of free expression extends to actions that convey meaning, even if that means burning the American flag.