My Opinion!!
I see from both sides. In a way the decision was going against his first amendment rights but in the same way it wasn't. In the way that it does is that he does have the right to say what he wants. However, in school your right are not strippe away, but they are limited as to what you can say and he did go against school policy. In conclusion, his 10-day suspension was justified i feel, because schools have rules too and he did break a school rule.
Important Dates for Court!
- Granted: Friday, December 1st, 2006
- Argued: Monday, March 19th, 2007
- Decided: Monday, June 25th, 2007
Parties Involved!
- Senior at Juneau-Douglas High School, Joseph Frederick is suing the principal, Deborah Morse for violating his first amendment rights.
Why Are We Studying This Case?
- We are studying this case because he sued his principal for violating his first amendment right: freedom of speech.
Court Rulings
What Happened?!?!?!?!?!
- January 24th, 2002, the principal at Juneau-Douglas High School, Deborah Morse, suspended Joseph Frederick, Senior at the school, for holding up a banner that said "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" and said it was encouraging students to abuse illegal substances, specifically Marijuana.
- She said the poster violated school policy
- Frederick was suspended for 10 days
- US District Court for the District of Alaska, ruled in Principal Deborah Morse's favor
- they said the was no violation and his banner was not protected by the constitution.
- US Court of Appeals, however, ruled in Frederick's favor
- they stated that his banner was constitutionally protected and that his consequences were unconstitutional.
Morse Vs Frederick Case!