Which case addressed the protection of symbolic political expression, such as flag burning?

• A. United States v. Eichman
• B. United States v. O'Brien
• C. Texas v. Johnson
• D. R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul

Answer: (C)

Symbolic speech — acts that convey a political message — is protected by the First Amendment. In Texas v. Johnson, burning the American flag as a form of protest was deemed expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment, even though many find it offensive. The Court struck down the state law that criminalized flag desecration because punishing the protest for its message suppresses political speech. The government’s interest in preserving the flag as a national symbol does not override the speaker’s right to express dissent. This case solidifies that symbolic acts used to communicate political ideas receive strong protection, highlighting how the First Amendment guards unpopular forms of protest.