Posted on 08/17/2010 6:39:02 PM PDT by markomalley
A federal appeals court panel in California says people have a right to lie about receiving military medals.
The Tuesday ruling involves the case of Xavier Alvarez, who falsely claimed in 2007 to have won a Congressional Medal of Honor. He was charged with violating the federal Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a crime to falsely claim to have won a military medal.
Alvarez challenged the law on appeal as a violation of his free-speech rights.
A panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with him in a 2-1 decision. The majority said there's no evidence that such lies harm anybody, and there's no compelling reason for the government to ban such lies
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Lying is free speech. Brave New World.
What the H is going on??!!
Can you claim to be retired FBI with awards displayed and worn?
So denying someone their First Amendment right to scream “fire” in a crowded theater should also be “unconstitutional”.
I thought this was satire at first. Then I read that it came from the AP and the Ninth Circuit Court and realized it was farce.
Better yet, go get yourself a policeman’s uniform and hit the streets. See how long that “First Amendment right” lasts.
The majority said there’s “no evidence that such lies harm anybody”, and there’s no compelling reason for the government to ban such lies. ........................................................ LOL, I wonder if they would have decided differently if it was the Knights (Iron) Cross with diamonds he was wearing? Probably not, no more than they would for the order of Lenin.
I agree with the decison. We don’t need another law. If an individual committs fraud, then arrest him or her under fraud statutes
This is sick. The 9th Circus makes it legal for scums to lie thereby diminishing the valor of Medal of Honor recipients in some peoples eyes.
I guess I can kick that poser outta the Oval Office since I am the President!
Why not? Obama claims to be POTUS.
WTF! I love that web site where real SEALs bust the phonies.
This is sickening about this corrupt judiciary.
Good question-I don’t think there is any law against impersonating a “retired” police officer.
You would think the same logic would apply to "hate crimes" as well, but I bet the courts will never see that.
9th sets an example for all kids. They have a constitutional RIGHT to LIE.
This is a good decision, yes I know it's the Ninth Circuit but the Stolen Valor Act criminalized speech that did not involve fraud or harm to anyone. If fraud is committed then fine, press charges. But with this law they could lock someone up just for saying something that turned out not to be true. If the USSC overturns this decision hate crime laws will be next.
Let’s all claim to be Retired Federal Judges, then, and get paid for speaking engagements?
John Kerry is relieved.
Just imagine if lying about your accomplishments was a crime...
Congress would have to be relocated to the Federal prison.
Al Gore would be asking if he gets internet privileges.
The president would convert to Islam and change his name to Baraq Hussein 0bama X.
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