The Bill of Rights Continued

Today we will look at some Supreme Court cases dealing with first amendment rights.

Case 1: Texas vs Johnson (1989)
Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag outside of the convention center where the 1984 Republican National Convention was being held in Dallas, Texas. Johnson burned the flag to protest the policies of President Ronald Reagan. He was arrested and charged with violating a Texas statute that prevented the desecration of a venerated object, including the American flag, if such action were likely to incite anger in others. A Texas court tried and convicted Johnson. He appealed, arguing that his actions were "symbolic speech" protected by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court agreed to hear his case. What do you think the Court decided? Before you make a decision, look at this similar case:
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/firstamendment/speech/backgroundTX.html

Now discuss the case with your group, come to a decision for or against Johnson. Explain your answer on a word document. If there is a dissenting opinion, include it as well. Click on the link below to read the decision made by the Supreme Court:
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/firstamendment/speech/texasfacts.html
on the word document, include the decision made by the Supreme Court.

Case 2: Engle vs. Vitale (1962)
A New York State Law required public schools to open each day with the pledge of allegiance and a non-denominational prayer in which the students recognized their dependence upon God. The law allowed students to absent themselves from this activity if they found it objectionable. A parent sued on behalf of his child, arguing that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, as made applicable to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. What do you think the Court decided? Before you decide, look at these similar cases:
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/firstamendment/engel/cases.html

Now discuss in your group and make a decision for or against Engle. Explain your decision on a word document. If there is a dissenting opinion, include that as well.
Explain your answer. Click on the link below to read the decision made by the Supreme Court:
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/firstamendment/engel/facts.html
On your word document include the decision made by the Supreme Court


Case 3: Morse vs Frederick (2005):
Joseph Frederick, a senior at Juneau-Douglas High School, unfurled a banner saying "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" during the Olympic Torch Relay through Juneau, Alaska on January 24, 2002. Frederick's attendance at the event was part of a school-supervised activity. The school's principal, Deborah Morse, told Frederick to put away the banner, as she was concerned it could be interpreted as advocating illegal drug activity. After Frederick refused to comply, she took the banner from him. Frederick originally was suspended from school for 10 days for violating school policy, which forbids advocating the use of illegal drugs.
What do you think the Court decided? Check out the arguments for both sides by clicking on this link: http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/firstamendment/speech/talkingpointsMvF.html
Discuss with your group, and come to a decision for or against Frederick, explain your answer on a word document. If there are dissenting votes, include in the document.

To find out the decision of the Supreme Court, click the following link:
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/firstamendment/speech/morsefacts.html
On your word document include the decision made by the Supreme Court.
print off the document and hand in.