Outrageous: ‘Stolen Valor’ Conviction Overturned By Federal Appeals Court, Court Says It’s ‘Free Speech’
FOX NEWS
A federal appeals court on Monday tossed out a veteran’s conviction for wearing military medals he didn’t earn, saying it was a form of free speech protected by the Constitution.
A specially convened 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the First Amendment allows people to wear unearned military honors.
Elven Joe Swisher of Idaho was convicted in 2007 of violating the Stolen Valor Act, which made it a misdemeanor to falsely claim military accomplishments. President George W. Bush signed it into law in 2006, but the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down in 2012 as a violation of free speech protections.
Wild Thing’s comment.…………
This is terrible and beyond words how bad this is.
I think these phony vets should be dumped in the middle of a military base with all their unauthorized medals. badges and ranks. Then make sure no MPs show up to protect them. Let the GIs convict and punish.