Black Arguments

Virginia v. Black : Arguments

Argument #1
The Court should rule in favor of Black. Burning a cross, although you might not agree with it, is an expression of speech and is therefore protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It is not inherently intimidating. If this law is upheld then other speech could also be abridged.

Argument #2
The Supreme Court should rule in favor of the state of Virginia. Cross burning itself can and should be banned. The history of cross burning has long been linked with violence against blacks. The state of Virginia has the authority to ban actions which violate other people's rights.

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