HISET Social Studies Practice

In which case did the Supreme Court afirm the right to symbolic speech?

1. Roe v. Wade.

2. Texas v. Johnson.

3. Tinker v. Des Moines.

4. United States v. Nixon.

The correct answer is: Texas v. Johnson.

The correct choice is Texas v. Johnson. This landmark case dealt with the First Amendment right to free speech, specifically highlighting the concept of symbolic speech, which refers to actions that are intended to convey a particular message or statement rather than simply spoken or written words. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of protest is protected expression under the First Amendment. This decision emphasized that the government cannot prohibit speech simply because it is considered offensive or disagreeable, affirming the idea that symbolic acts can serve as powerful forms of communication regarding political views and beliefs. The ruling reinforced the broader interpretation of free speech rights, demonstrating the importance of protecting diverse forms of expression in a democratic society. The other cases mentioned focus on different legal issues: Roe v. Wade deals with reproductive rights, Tinker v. Des Moines also addresses the issue of symbolic speech through student protests, and United States v. Nixon concerns executive privilege and the limits of presidential power. While Tinker v. Des Moines relates to symbolic speech, the specific affirmation in Texas v. Johnson is what solidifies that right in the context of flag desecration.