In which case did the Supreme Court affirm that symbolic speech is protected under the First Amendment?

Study for the Foundations of American Democracy and Federalism Test. Explore multiple choice questions with explanations and gain insights to ace your exam!

The Supreme Court case that affirmed that symbolic speech is protected under the First Amendment is Texas v. Johnson. In this landmark decision, the Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of protest constitutes symbolic speech, which is protected by the First Amendment. The Court maintained that the government cannot prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds it offensive. This ruling established a critical precedent for the protection of symbolic forms of expression alongside traditional speech, reinforcing the idea that freedom of speech encompasses a wide range of expressions, including actions meant to convey a message. The decision emphasized that the context in which the expression occurs plays a significant role in determining its protected status under the First Amendment.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy