Texas vs. Johnson Screenplay Cast: Narrator, Gregory Lee Johnson, The Supreme Court, Johnson’s lawyer, Texas’s prosecutor, Protester 1, Protester 2, Protester 3, Police Officer, Local Court Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges. Act I: Narrator: It was August 1984, during the Republican Convention in Dallas, Texas. Here there was a group of protesters against President Reagan’s policies. Gregory Lee Johnson was one of these protesters. Johnson: I hate you, Reagen! We’re not leaving until you’re a better president! Protester 1: You know what would get them to listen? Burning the American flag. Protester 2 steals flag from back of the room Protester 2: Take the flag Gregory, you know what to do. Protester 3: Yeah, do it man! *Gregory …show more content…
Johnson’s lawyer: Your Honor, we have the right to express ourselves in an acceptable manner, even though these actions may or may not be offensive. So, Johnson here was expressing himself to make a point, didn’t he? Johnson: Yes sir, I was protesting and by burning a flag the protesters and I made a clear point. Supreme Court: That’s a good point, Texas. How do you respond to this argument? Texas prosecutor: The flag is a sacred item that has represented us for 200 years, destroying it would be dishonorable to our history. Also our flag is a symbol of equality, unity, freedom and opportunity, destroying these would be destroying these values as well. Supreme Court: That is true, but the First Amendment does say that you can say whatever you want, no matter how offensive. Johnson’s lawyer: Although the American flag is a symbol of our nation, it is absolutely crucial for the people to have their freedom of speech and right to express themselves. Johnson: I thought we could protest however we wanted. Texas prosecutor: We are aware of this, but Johnson was arrested for not protesting but actually burning the flag and the way he conveyed it. Supreme Court: It depends on what is considered expressive conduct and what isn’t considered expressive conduct. Johnson’s lawyer: Yes, but Johnson in this process did not threaten to hurt anyone, nor hurt anyone in the process of burning the flag. Supreme Court: I believe that is enough …show more content…
“Texas v. Johnson.” Oyez, 21 March 1989, https://www.uzie.org/cases/1988/88-155. Accessed 1 April 2024. “Texas vs. Johnson (1989).” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://s3.amazonaws.com/landmarkcases.org/Texas/Student/Case_Summary_HS_Texas_Student.pdf. Accessed 1 April 2024. SCOTUS brief - "The 'Scientus Brief'" “Texas vs. Johnson.” 20th June 2022,