Texas vs. Johnson

What is the author’s primary claim?

• The Supreme Court cannot amend or stray from the equal rights set forth by the Bill of Rights.

• The Supreme Court disagrees with the actions permitted by the First Amendment, but cannot find legal grounds to uphold the conviction.

• The Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to veto a just law set forth by an individual state.

• The Supreme Court does not condone flag burning, but they recognize that it is a common and lawful act of protest.

Select two details that BEST support the author’s claim that flag burning will not tarnish its image or symbolic nature.

• “...we submit that nobody can suppose that this one gesture of an unknown man will change our Nation's attitude towards its flag.”

• “its statute's implicit assumption that physical mistreatment of the flag will lead to "serious offense," tend to confirm that the flag's special role is not in danger”

• “It is the Nation's resilience, not its rigidity, that Texas sees reflected in the flag -- and it is that resilience that we reassert today.”

• “Our decision is a reaffirmation of the principles of freedom and inclusiveness that the flag best reflects…”

Part A: Which theme does Letter from Birmingham Jail and Texas V. Johnson have in common?

• Laws should be broken to assert the right to protest.

• Laws that are biased need to be reformed.

• Laws are meant to be questioned and appealed.

• Laws should not infringe on natural born rights.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Part B: How do the texts treat this theme similarly?

• Both texts address the negative effects of the legal system

• Both texts cite specific legislation that justify the rights of every American

• Both texts question laws and whether or not they should be upheld

• Both texts demonstrate legislative systems that benefit some and harm others

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7