ACS New York: Texas v. Johnson: Flag Burning as Protected Expression

In 1984, Gregory "Joey" Johnson burned an American flag in protest at the Republican National Convention. He was later convicted under a Texas criminal statute prohibiting the act, fined, and sentenced to prison. His appeal eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court where, in a 5-to-4 decision, the Court held that Johnson's act was protected under the First Amendment due to its status as expressive conduct with a distinctly political nature.

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Texas v. Johnson decision, join the New York Law School Student Chapter and New York Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society, alongside the NYLS Impact Center for Public Interest Law, for a discussion on the history of the case and its modern-day repercussions in an age of anthem protests, daily assaults on First Amendment freedoms, and renewed nationalistic fervor.

Featuring:

Gregory "Joey" Johnson, political activist, Revolution Club; defendant, Texas v. Johnson

Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law, New York Law School; former President, American Civil Liberties Union (1991-2008)

Click here to register. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The event begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 7:15 p.m., followed by a short reception.