Texas V Johnson (1989)
One of the freedoms protected under the First Amendment is the Freedom of Speech. Read the case summary below and determine whether or not you think Gregory Johnson’s actions are protected under this amendment.

In 1984, the Republican Party held its national convention in Dallas, Texas, for President Ronald Reagan, who was seeking reelection. Protestors gathered in the streets to voice their opposition for Reagan’s practice and policies. Gregory Lee Johnson was one of these protestors. He was handed a flag that was taken from a flag pole. Johnson poured kerosene on the flag and set it on fire. He began to chant, “Red, white, and blue, we spit on you.” His supporters joined in the chant. No one was hurt or threatened. Gregory Johnson was arrested, charged, and convicted of violating Texas law, which made it a crime to desecrate the American flag, a venerable object. At the time, 47 other states also viewed flag desecration as a crime. He received one year in prison and had to pay a $2,000 fine.

Gregory Johnson appealed his conviction and took his case to the United States Supreme Court. Johnson argued that flag desecration violated his First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech.

Answer the questions that follow:

1. Should Gregory Johnson’s actions be protected by the First Amendment’s “Freedom of Speech” clause? Explain why or why not.

2. The Supreme Court ruled in the above case that burning of the American flag IS protected under the first amendment. What is your opinion about the Supreme Court decision in this case? Explain your opinion and feelings.

3. What are examples of speech that would NOT be protected by the First Amendment's "Freedom of Speech" clause?

4. Why do you think the first amendment, and specifically, freedom of speech, is such an important freedom to citizens of our country?