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 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.

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.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court found the burning of a flag to be protected free speech in Texas v. Johnson primarily because the Court recognized that the action is symbolic speech. This means that the act of flag burning represents a specific viewpoint or message, particularly in this case, a political protest against the government or its policies. The Court ruled that expression, even if it is offensive to some, must be protected to uphold the values of free speech enshrined in the First Amendment.

Thus, the correct response is:

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