A federal appeals court has tossed out a veteran's conviction for wearing military medals he didn't earn.
A specially convened 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that wearing unearned military honors is free speech protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Elven Joe Swisher of Idaho was convicted of violating the Stolen Valor Act. Investigators looked into his military claims after he testified at the 2005 trial of a man charged with soliciting the murder of a federal judge. Swisher wore a Purple Heart on the witness stand.
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Well, in that case then, I am going to go get a cops badge and uniform and act like I am a cop. Or a white coat and stethoscope and be a doctor.
ReplyDeleteSo if I wear a police badge that I didn't earn is that free speech?
ReplyDeleteThis is just plain wrong.
ReplyDeleteJust like the Supreme Court backed up Fox News when they said isn't real news just entertainment so they can say as many falsehoods as they want.
ReplyDeleteAnother libitard court we have too endure. Just another reason to vote for Trump. We our courts start to make laws instead of enforcement we are DOOMED! !!
ReplyDeleteHidden dangers of the rainbow Warriors at it again!! They are hell bent on destroying everything traditionly American our national pride, honesty, family, God, country,life!!! this is the hope and change we were promised
ReplyDeleteAs a Army retiree this is WRONG
ReplyDeleteAs a Navy retiree, what you don't earn, you don't wear. Period.
ReplyDeleteYes, but if one obtains goods or services as a result of wearing unearned medals, then they are guilty of fraud, and CAN be prosecuted. The wearer of unearned medals just makes it "costume jewelry" for the wearer, no different than what actors do in movies and on television. Don't make it into more than it really is....
ReplyDeleteAs a Veteran this is wrong. I strongly object. It is not free speech, it is impersonating a military person wounded in service to their country.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the 9th Circuit, California?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteAnother libitard court we have too endure. Just another reason to vote for Trump. We our courts start to make laws instead of enforcement we are DOOMED! !!
January 13, 2016 at 6:36 PM
Courts don't make laws (legislative branch) nor do they enforce laws ( justice/police depts) the courts interpret and judge case law (judicial branch)
Real medals on sale at Ebay I am going to be a general with a chest full of ribbons and medals. Going to get free meals, board planes first, get women, get discounts, wow.
ReplyDeleteLaw enforcement will have a field day with this message. Buy a badge , some patches and rob whoever you can stop. WTF are these judges thinking?
ReplyDelete