Morse v. Frederick

In January 2002, Joseph Frederick displayed a 'bong hits 4 Jesus' banner during the Olympic Torch relay, leading to a suspension by his principal, Deborah Morse. Frederick sued, claiming a violation of his First Amendment rights. The case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 in favor of the school, citing the need to limit speech promoting illegal drug use. The decision sparked debate on student speech rights. The school district later settled with Frederick, paying $45,000. The banner now hangs in the Newseum's First Amendment gallery.

What event were Joseph Frederick and his friends waiting for?

What did the banner that Joseph and his friends revealed say?

What was the principal's response to the banner?

What legal argument did Joseph Frederick make regarding his suspension?

How did the Ninth Circuit court's ruling differ from the district court's ruling?

What was the outcome of the case in the Supreme Court?

What was the significance of the banner in the context of the First Amendment?