Understanding Schenck v. United States

In 1917, Charles Schenck, a Socialist Party leader, distributed anti-draft pamphlets during WWI, violating the Espionage Act. Arrested and charged, Schenck argued for First Amendment protection. The Supreme Court ruled against him, establishing the Clear and Present Danger doctrine, limiting free speech during wartime. This case highlighted the balance between free speech and national security, influencing future legal interpretations.

What was the main message of the pamphlets distributed by Charles Schenck?

• Join the Socialist Party

• Invest in Wall Street

• Support the draft

• Resist the draft

What was the Socialist Party's view on World War I?

• They had no opinion

• They supported it

• They were neutral

• They were strongly against it

What law did Schenck violate by distributing the pamphlets?

• The Selective Service Act

• The Espionage Act

• The Thirteenth Amendment

• The First Amendment

What was Schenck's defense for distributing the pamphlets?

• It was a religious duty

• It was a mistake

• It was protected by the First Amendment

• It was a government order

What did Schenck and Baer hope to achieve by appealing to the Supreme Court?

• To have the Espionage Act repealed

• To gain public support

• To delay the trial

• To receive a lighter sentence

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Espionage Act and the First Amendment?

• The case was dismissed

• The Espionage Act was unconstitutional

• The First Amendment protected Schenck's actions

• The First Amendment did not protect Schenck's actions

What famous analogy did Justice Holmes use to describe the limitations of free speech?

• Crying 'wolf' in a village

• Announcing 'storm' in a harbor

• Yelling 'fire' in a crowded theater

• Shouting 'danger' in a public square

What doctrine was established as a result of the Schenck v. United States case?

• The Prior Restraint doctrine

• The Marketplace of Ideas doctrine

• The Imminent Lawless Action doctrine

• The Clear and Present Danger doctrine

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court's ruling for Schenck and Baer?

• Their case was postponed

• They were acquitted

• They were found guilty

• They were pardoned

Which case eventually replaced the Clear and Present Danger doctrine?

• Miranda v. Arizona

• Roe v. Wade

• Brandenburg v. Ohio

• Brown v. Board of Education