Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)
Thu Jun 28, 2012, 11:50 AM Jun 2012

In other SCOTUS news, Stolen Valor Law Struck Down

The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a federal law called the Stolen Valor Act which prohibits a person from falsely claiming that he has been awarded a military honor.

The case involved Xavier Alvarez who was an elected member of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District Board in Pomona, California. In 2007 Alvarez said at a public water district board meeting that he was a retired Marine, had been “wounded many times,” and had been “awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor” in 1987.

In fact, he had never served in the United States armed forces.

He pleaded guilty to violating the Stolen Valor Act, but claimed that his false statements were protected by the First Amendment right of free speech.

http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/28/12457855-scotus-strikes-down-stolen-valor-act?lite

GOOD! Another example of Congressional overreach.

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
In other SCOTUS news, Stolen Valor Law Struck Down (Original Post) joeybee12 Jun 2012 OP
Being a lying douchebag doesn't justify making their behavior criminal hifiguy Jun 2012 #1
Fraud is already illegal. If it's not criminal fraud, then you can't ban someone from lying. NYC Liberal Jun 2012 #2
 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
1. Being a lying douchebag doesn't justify making their behavior criminal
Thu Jun 28, 2012, 12:02 PM
Jun 2012

Though I might make an exception for Mittens, the Orange Man and Yertle.

NYC Liberal

(20,138 posts)
2. Fraud is already illegal. If it's not criminal fraud, then you can't ban someone from lying.
Thu Jun 28, 2012, 12:06 PM
Jun 2012

Another good ruling today.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»In other SCOTUS news, Sto...