Is Flag Burning Protected By The First Amendment

The Debate Continues: Is Flag Burning Protected by the First Amendment? Adriana Ramirez First Amendment Dr. Helen Boutrous December 8, 2016 Mount Saint Mary’s University The First Amendment says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This freedom of speech clause as included in the First Amendment guarantees the citizens of America to express information and ideas freely. But is all form of speech free? On the most basic level, this clause allows for the expression of an opinion or idea without the fear of censorship by the government. It protects all forms of communication, with limits so you cannot always say anything you want, wherever you want, or whenever you want. Fighting words are not protected under the First Amendment, for instance, as are obscene expressions. Symbolic speech can be expressed in many different kinds of forms. The speech can be spoken, written, or be an action. All of these kinds of conduct could be said to express ideas in some ways, however, only some conduct is protected as symbolic speech. When the court analyzes these types of cases, they will ask the speaker about whether they intended on conveying a particular message and whether it was likely that the audience understood the message and theShow MoreRelatedSpeech Free Speech On The Freedom Of Speech1380 Words   |  6 PagesThe First Amendment says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This freedom of speech clause as included in the First Amendment guarantees the citizens of America to express information and ideas freely. But is all f orm of speech free? On the most basic level, this clauseRead MoreFlag Desecration Synthesis Essay1321 Words   |  6 Pages E5X-09  Ã‚   That Flag Should Not Be Protected The United States is known for being ‘land of the free’, a nation with a Declaration of Independence, as well, as a Constitution protecting the rights of it’s citizens. Wars have been fought and many people have died so we could have the rights that present today. The freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and most importantly the right to petition our government; all of which fall under the First Amendment in the Bill of RightsRead MoreThe Flag Of The United States903 Words   |  4 PagesThe flag of the United States is our national symbol and our most important symbol of all; it symbolizes our nation’s strength and pride. 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