Tinker+v.+DeMoines+4th

**Tinker v. Des Moines**



__Background__ Christopher Eckhardt, John Tinker, and Mary Beth Tinker were against the Vietnam War. They decided to express this feeling by wearing black armbands to protest. Other students at their school decided to join in on the protest. The principals at the schools and school board members decided to ban armbands. They claimed that this was to prevent disturbing influences. The students eventually got suspended on December 16, 1965 for continuing to wear the armbands to school. Their parents took action and took their suspensions to the federal courts. __ Constitutional Significance __ Amendment I in the constitution states that “congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble...” These kids were just exercising these freedoms. __ The Final Decision of the Case __ It was decided that the students being suspended for just showing their opinion about the war was unconstitutional. Their rights were protected under the First Amendment. The principals made the mistake in not showing how them wearing the armbands would interfere with the school discipline. The principals were also violating their freedom of press and assembly. __ Important Terms and Concepts __
 * Freedom of Speech- The right to say what you want in public or private without being punished by the government or anyone else.
 * Freedom of Press- The right to print what you want about any situation unless it is going to harm someone or their reputation.
 * Freedom of Assembly- The right to get together in groups peacefully.

__Interesting Facts__
 * Thurgood Marshall was on this case.
 * This case had a 7-2 vote.
 * John Tinker was only 15.
 * Mary Beth Tinker was only 13.
 * Christopher Echardt was only 16.
 * This case took about 4 months to decide.