Can You Burn An American Flag? | Texas v. Johnson

The video discusses the 1984 protest in Dallas where Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag, leading to his arrest under Texas law. Johnson's conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, citing First Amendment protection. The case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 in favor of Johnson, affirming flag burning as symbolic speech. The decision invalidated similar laws in 48 states. Despite Congress passing the Flag Protection Act, the Supreme Court struck it down in 1990. The case sparked ongoing debates about flag desecration and free speech.

What actions did Gregory Lee Johnson take during the protests outside the Republican National Convention?

What was the outcome of Johnson's appeal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals?

What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding flag burning in the case of Texas v. Johnson?

What were the main arguments presented in the dissenting opinions of the justices?

How did Congress respond to the Supreme Court's decision in Texas v. Johnson?