What did the United States Supreme Court decide about desecrating the flag?

Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), was a landmark decision of the US Supreme Court that invalidated prohibitions on desecrating the American flag, which at the time were enforced in 48 of the 50 states.

Do veterans fight for the flag?

But he said soldiers aren’t fighting for the flag; they’re fighting for what it represents. And most of all, they’re fighting for the guy next to them. “If you burn the flag that’s not going to destroy this country,” he said. “If you change the Constitution, then you may have a problem.”

What is the Flag Protection Act of 1989 about?

Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down on First Amendment gorunds. In response to this ruling, the 101st Congress passed the Flag Protection Act of 1989 giving Congress the right to enact statutes criminalizing the burning or desecration of the flag in public protest.

Is it illegal to disrespect the flag?

18 U.S. Code § 700 – Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties. Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

Can a citizen burn the flag?

In 1990, the Supreme Court reaffirmed Johnson by the same 5–4 majority in United States v. Eichman declaring that flag burning was constitutionally protected free speech.

Is burning the flag Freedom of speech?

Flag burning constitutes symbolic speech that is protected by the First Amendment.

Is burning a cross legal?

“We are pleased that the court reaffirmed free speech by making it clear that cross-burning, when it is not used as a direct threat, is protected by the Constitution.”

Can you fly another country’s flag in America?

The Flag Code requires that the US flag be flown on federal institutions, including public schools. It does not require you to fly the US flag and it does not forbid you from displaying a foreign flag.