Research Guides: Libertas Civics Camp 8.0: Flag Burning and First Amendment Protections

Texas v Johnson

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - The First Amendment to the United States Constitution

Objectives:

Students will learn about liberties and limitations of freedom of speech that are identified in landmark Supreme Court cases.
Students will learn about ________________ and how it relates to ________________ in school.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge by creating a group project and present at the Family and Community Civics Event.

Focus Questions:

What are the key principles and protections of freedom of speech in the United States Constitution?
Why is freedom of speech important in a community or country?
How does freedom of speech affect students in school?
How does freedom of speech connect to the right to express opinions and beliefs?
How does Texas v Johnson define freedom of speech?
How does Texas v Johnson protect freedom of speech?
How does Texas v Johnson limit freedom of speech?

Student Resources: Texas v Johnson

Texas v Johnson
In 1984, in front of the Dallas City Hall, 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 flag 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.
Burning the American Flag in Protest
Article Contents:
- Introduction
- Primary Source
- Significance

Freedom of Speech, the Press, and Religion by John Rokutani
Call Number: 342.73 ROK
The Bill of Rights is one of the most influential documents in American history. These ten amendments safeguard the basic rights that every American has.

Quick Read: First Amendment
Article Sections:
- The arguments for free speech
- Many types of speech
- No coverage for obscenity
- Not an absolute freedom
- Clear and present danger test
- A balancing act
- Commerce, jails, and schools
- Time, place, and manner restrictions
First Amendment Research Launch Page
Research Information using:
- Reference articles
- Case Overviews
- Primary Sources
- Biographies
- Academic Journals
- Magazines
- Newspapers
Freedom of Speech Research Launch Page
Research information using:
- Reference Articles
- Primary Sources
- Biographies
- Academic Journals
- Magazines

Teacher Resources: Texas v Johnson

Gregory Joey Johnson speaking outside the Capitol Building against a constitutional amendment banning flag burning, 1990. (Gale)

Key Vocabulary:

Desecration of a Venerated Object
Demonstration
Protest
Conviction
Symbolic Speech

Lesson Plans:

Texas v Johnson Actitviy
This activity is based on the landmark Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), which deals with First Amendment protection of flag burning as symbolic speech as applied to "bending the knee".

Texas v Johnson Mini Lesson
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that burning the American flag is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment.