Choose a Supreme Court case from any chapter in your text in which the court’s decision created or
changed a policy or previous law in the United States. Give the name and date. In the discussion,
identify your chosen case and explain whether you agree or disagree with this decision. Be sure to
provide rationale for your response.
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag during a protest at the Republican National Convention in
1984. The protest was against the Reagan administration’s policies demanding a stop for President
Ronald Reagan running for presidency for a second term (1). The government went after Gregory
Johnson because its interest to protect the integrity of the flag instead of the importance of freedom of
speech. He was convicted with violating a Texas state law but got his conviction overturned. The
conviction went against the First Amendment.
In my opinion, what he did was 100% wrong and it did show a sign of disrespect towards all the soldiers
who has died for the flag but I strongly agree that everyone should have a freedom of speech. If he felt
that burning a flag (although it wasn’t going to solve anything) would help or make him feel better than
that is him. I don’t believe convicting someone would solve anything. I think the government would
spend too much money on something that people may think isn’t necessary.
Reference:
Bitzer, J. (2009). Texas V. Johnson (1989). Retrieved June 6, 2022. https://mtsu.edu/first-
amendment/article/305/texas-v-johnson
