Texas v. Johnson

The video discusses the 1984 protests 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 sparked dissent and led to the Flag Protection Act, later struck down. The case initiated ongoing debates on free speech and flag desecration.

What was the public reaction to Johnson's act of flag burning during the protests?

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

What does the case of Texas v. Johnson signify in the context of freedom of speech?