The good opinion by Brennan in the Case of Johnson
This case was decided in favor of Johnson, but justice Brennan delivered the justification of the court. The opinion of Brenan that was counted was to make the burning of the flag illegal and criminalize those who burned the flag in the name of demonstrations. In this case, the court was on the side that the flag was a symbol of national unity. Therefore the conduct of Mr. Johnson, who burnt the flag during demonstrations, was to be convicted according to the amendment(Texas v. Johnson 1). Brenan says that Johnson was not held responsible for the expression of an idea but was prosecuted for his dissatisfaction with the laws of the country, which is expressed as the country’s amendment values. Brennan continues and says that the government may use designated symbols to deliver only a small number of messages. The government, during this case, was rendering a judgment that made the burning of flags.
Another great point by Bennan, in this case, Johnson was that the flag deserved a better acknowledgment in the community and that the flag will be strengthened rather than been weakened by the case of johnson that was happening on that day( Excerpts from the Texas Black Codes). He continues to say that the case’s decision was an affirmation of the strong values and ideologies of freedom that the flag portrays to the community. He continues to say that the conviction and torelance of critics in Johnson’s case was a symbol and foundation of strength for Texas and those of America at large. Brennan continues and says that the only way to uphold the deserved respect by the flag was to convict and punish those who had a different perspective about the issues concerning the flag.
Works cited
“Texas v. Johnson.” Illustrated Great Decisions of the Supreme Court (n.d.): 160-162. Print.
Excerpts from the Texas Black Codes (1866).” African American Studies Center (2013): n. pag. Print.