Case Overview

Legal Principle at Issue

Is the Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a crime to falsely claim receipt of military decorations or medals and provides an enhanced penalty if the Congressional Medal of Honor is involved, constitutional? 18 U. S. C. §§704 (b), (c).

Action

Affirmed (includes modified). Petitioning party did not receive a favorable disposition.

Facts/Syllabus

The Stolen Valor Act makes it a crime to falsely claim receipt of military decorations or medals and provides an enhanced penalty if the Congressional Medal of Honor is involved. 18 U. S. C. §§704 (b), (c). Respondent pleaded guilty to a charge of falsely claiming that he had received the Medal of Honor, but reserved his right to appeal his claim that the Act is unconstitutional under the First Amendment.

Importance of Case

The Stolen Valor Act was a content-based restriction on free speech and violated the First Amendment. This case abandoned the holding of United States v. Strandlof, 667 F.3d 1146.

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