The Tinker v Des Moines and Texas v Johnson Supreme Court cases are related in that they both deal with First Amendment rights regarding freedom of speech.
In the Tinker v Des Moines case, which took place in 1969, three students wore black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War. The school suspended the students, arguing that their protest disrupted the educational environment. The Supreme Court, however, ruled in favor of the students, stating that their symbolic expression was protected by the First Amendment as long as it did not cause significant disruption to the operation of the school.
In the Texas v Johnson case, which occurred in 1989, an individual named Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag as a form of political protest during the Republican National Convention. He was convicted under a Texas law that banned flag desecration. The Supreme Court overturned his conviction, asserting that burning the flag was a form of expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment.
The effects of these cases on US citizens are significant. Firstly, they establish and reinforce the principle that freedom of speech includes symbolic expression and political protest. The rulings in both cases support the idea that individuals have the right to convey their opinions and engage in peaceful demonstrations or acts of symbolic speech, even if they are controversial or unpopular.
These cases also serve as precedents, providing guidance to lower courts and citizens on the rights and limitations of freedom of speech. The rulings emphasize the importance of protecting speech, even when it may be considered offensive or disruptive, as long as it does not cause significant harm or danger. This reaffirms the importance of a robust and inclusive public discourse in a democratic society.
Furthermore, these cases have sparked discussions and debates about the limits of free speech and the extent to which individuals can express their opinions, particularly in public or school settings. They have encouraged citizens to be aware of their constitutional rights and the legal protections afforded to them in expressing their beliefs and ideas.
Overall, the Tinker v Des Moines and Texas v Johnson cases have had a profound impact on US citizens by strengthening and defending the constitutional right to freedom of speech, particularly in the context of symbolic expression and political protest.
This question has two parts.
Explain how the Tinker v Des Moines and Texas v Johnson Supreme Court cases are related. Explain the effects) these cases have on
US citizens.
(4 points)
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Shorter
The Tinker v Des Moines and Texas v Johnson Supreme Court cases are related because they both deal with First Amendment rights regarding freedom of speech. In Tinker v Des Moines, the court ruled that students have the right to express their opinions and engage in peaceful protest in schools. In Texas v Johnson, it was ruled that burning the American flag is protected symbolic speech. These cases reinforce the principle that freedom of speech includes symbolic expression and political protest. They have had a significant impact on US citizens by protecting their rights to express their opinions, even if they are controversial or unpopular, and sparking discussions about the limits of free speech.
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