State of Texas vs. Johnson (1989)

State of Texas vs. Johnson (1989) Justice Viveiros delivers the opinion of the court: Gregory Lee Johnson has been convicted of desecrating a flag in violation of Texas law; a conviction which questions ones guaranteed First Amendment, constitutional rights. Johnson's involvement in a political demonstration in Dallas, lead him to express his political concerns with the nations leaders and governmental policies. The State of Texas' conviction of Johnson was carried out due to Johnson's conduct, a …

…this country has accomplished. However, the State of Texas' conviction of Gregory Lee Johnson is without evidence on the charge of Johnson's intent to promote societal disorder and disrupt peace. The State has also contradicted itself by taking the responsibility of protecting the symbolism of the flag, a responsibility which has unconstitutionally convicted Johnson, denying him the First Amendment right of free expression. The judgment of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is therefore Affirmed.