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.

Question

(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

The correct response is:

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

In Texas v. Johnson (1989), the Supreme Court ruled that flag burning constitutes symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment. The Court recognized that the act of burning the flag serves as a form of political expression, conveying a particular message or viewpoint, which is fundamental to the concept of free speech in a democratic society. The ruling emphasized that the government cannot prohibit expression simply because it is offensive or disagrees with the message being conveyed.