Read the excerpt from a court of appeals ruling on the Stolen Valor Act. The Stolen Valor Act is not only unnecessary; it also sets a dangerous precedent. If future acts follow the same principles, the government may forbid speech solely because it is a lie, even if that lie does not create damage. Based on that opinion, which scenario could be punishable by law? |
Ms. Jones telling her friends that she was president of the United States |
A Supreme Court justice who does not support the Court's verdict will write a |
dissent. |
When the Supreme Court rules on a case, how many "agree" votes are needed to reach a verdict? |
A simple majority is needed. |
Which event happens last in the appeals process? |
The Supreme Court rules on a case. |
Which part of a court ruling will be cited as precedent in future cases? |
majority opinion |
Which of these actions best illustrates a judge using precedent? |
studying past cases for similarities to the current case |
In which case did the court rule that flag burning was not illegal under the First Amendment? |
Texas v. Johnson |
What did the Stolen Valor Act attempt to prohibit? |
lying about receiving a military medal of honor |
Which illustrates the proper outline for a judge's opinion on a case? |
describing case facts, describing judicial opinion, analyzing law, applying precedent |
Which event happens first in the appeals process? |
An individual is found guilty during a trial. |