~Texas Vs. Johnson~
DOCKET NO. 88-155
~Case Info~
Petitioner: Texas
Respondent: Gregory Lee Johnson
Location: Dallas City Hall
Docket number: 88-155
Decided by: Rehnquist Court (1988-1990)
~Description~
Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag as a means of protest against Reagan administration policies. Johnson was tried and convicted under a Texas law outlawing desecration. He was sentenced to one year in jail and assessed a $2,000 fine. After the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the conviction, the case went to the supreme court.
~Texas Court of Criminal Appeals~
~Texas State~
~Gregory Lee Johnson~
~Questions~
One of the major questions was "Is the desecration of an American flag, by burning or otherwise, a form of speech that is protected under the First Amendment?"
~Decision~
Johnson burned the flag outside of the dallas convention center were the 1984 Republican National Convention was being held. In a 5 to 4 decision, the court held that Johnson's burning of the flag was protected expression under the first amendment.