Nation IN BRIEF : OHIO : Court Ruling Sides With Flag Burner
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
A divided Ohio Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a woman who burned a U.S. flag to protest the Persian Gulf War. In a 4-3 decision, the court said the judge should have told jurors that flag burning is a protected form of expression and in itself didn’t prove Cheryl Lessin was guilty of inciting violence. Lessin was arrested on Aug. 10, 1990, at a demonstration in downtown Cleveland to protest then-President George Bush’s decision to send troops to the Persian Gulf. She was convicted in October, 1990, and sentenced to one year in prison.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
