Gregory Johnson, a youth Communist demonstrator, was part of a demonstration. During it, he set an American flag on fire. He was arrested for violating Texas law stating that vandalism of respected objects were not allowed. His case was taken to the Supreme court where the Johnson's case was defeated 5-4 in a controversial vote. This case was important because it set up a law that disallowed the desecrating (intentionally destroying, damaging, or mutilating an American flag in public). This law is enforced in 48 out of the 50 states.
