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) 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 is symbolic speech. The action symbolizes a viewpoint. This action is symbolic speech. The action symbolizes a viewpoint. 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 legal as long as it is done in a respectful manner in order to dispose of an old flag.

Answer 1

In Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court found that the burning of a flag constituted protected free speech primarily because it is considered symbolic speech. This action symbolizes a viewpoint, and under the First Amendment, the government is prohibited from restricting speech based on its content or the message being conveyed. The Court emphasized that allowing such expressive conduct, even if offensive to some, is essential to the protection of free expression in a democratic society. The ruling underscored the principle that freedom of speech extends beyond verbal communication to include actions that express particular ideas or sentiments, thereby affirming the importance of protecting diverse forms of expression, even when they provoke controversy or dissent.