Summary
Contents
Subject index
Acclaimed by researchers, students, and general readers, this informative, lively, and easy-to-use volume fills the public need for information about key recent and historical cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Now significantly updated, this new edition includes all the new major cases-over twenty five in total-handed down by the Court since the first edition was published in 2000. The new entries include many high-profile cases that have stirred public controversy, including: Boy Scouts of America v. Dale (2000), granting the right to exclude homosexuals from leadership positions in the Boy Scouts; Bush v. Gore (2000), ceasing ballot recounts in the 2000 presidential election; PGA Tour v. Martin (2001), obliging the PGA to accommodate a disabled golfer; Lawrence v. Texas (2003), stating that a law criminalizing same-sex sodomy violates due process; Gratz/Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), stating that an affirmative action program to achieve diversity in universities may or may not violate the equal protection clause, depending on how it's implemented. In each of the over 100 cases summarized, author Tony Mauro succinctly describes the decision, provides background and facts of the case, the vote and highlights of the decision with verbatim excerpts, and, in conclusion, discusses the long-term impact of the decision on United States citizens and U.S. society. Topic search aids let readers easily trace the evolution and impact of rulings in particular issue areas. Added features also enhance the volume, including many new portraits, political cartoons, and drawings, a comprehensive bibliography and an easy-to-access case/subject index. A perfect starting point for research on Supreme Court decisions, this newly updated volume is an essential addition to every public, high school, and college library.
Texas v. Johnson
Texas v. Johnson
Decided June 21, 1989
491 U.S. 397
http://laws.findlaw.com/US/491/397.html
Decision
A state law making it a crime to desecrate the American flag violates the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech. Flag-burning is a form of expressive conduct that deserves First Amendment protection.
Background
Few symbols are as important to Americans as the flag. It inspired the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance; it was planted on the moon; and it has been used to rally troops and the public in times of war as well as peace. No wonder, then, that burning the flag is also a powerful symbol, an act of defiance that sends a message of contempt for the country and provokes instant anger in most who observe it.
Gregory Lee Johnson tapped into those ...
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