Skip to Main Content
Image of two men posing for a photo, with text overlay referencing Texas v. Johnson and Bill of Rights Institute series.
The facade of a neoclassical building with sculptures and the inscription "EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW."
Text from an article titled "The Expansion of Expression" discussing the First Amendment and free speech.
Document discussing the Texas v. Johnson Supreme Court case from 1989 about flag desecration.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases: Texas v. Johnson

Image of two men posing for a photo, with text overlay referencing Texas v. Johnson and Bill of Rights Institute series.
Texas v. Johnson | BRI’s Homework Help Series
Video

Video

Should burning the American flag be considered a form of expression protected by the First Amendment? Learn how the Supreme Court addressed this controversial question in the case of Texas v. Johnson.
The facade of a neoclassical building with sculptures and the inscription "EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW."
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Lesson - 4 Activities

Lesson

4 Activities

Case background and primary source documents concerning the Supreme Court case of Texas v. Johnson. Dealing with the First Amendment's freedom of expression protections, this lesson asks students to argue whether or not burning the American flag is so offensive as to be outside the legitimate marketplace of ideas.
Text from an article titled "The Expansion of Expression" discussing the First Amendment and free speech.
The Expansion of Expression Essay – Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Activity

Activity

Document discussing the Texas v. Johnson Supreme Court case from 1989 about flag desecration.
Texas v. Johnson – Case Background
Activity

Activity

Document titled "Document A" discussing Baron de Montesquieu's ideas on the significance of words and actions.
Documents to Examine (A-M) – Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Activity

Activity

Text discussing a failed amendment proposal on flag burning considered by Congress in 2006.
The Issue Endures – Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Activity

Activity