In 2007, a man by the name of Elven Joe Swisher of Idaho was convicted of violating the Stolen Valor Act. The Stolen Valor Act was first signed by George Bush in 2006 which made it illegal to wear military medals that were not acquired the right way. The federal appeals court says that the act of wearing falsely acquired medals is a First Amendment misdemeanor under the freedom of speech.

This act is a freedom of speech case because it is conveying the message that you earned certain achievement that other people actually struggled and suffered to obtain. Wearing these awards basically slanders everything that these honorable people went through and stand for.

In this article, it also mentions the fact that, by law, you may not receive financial support if you do not rightfully deserve it. This is also covered under the first amendment for the same reasons as wearing false medals. It conveys a message that is untrue and therefor can be taken to court.



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