Case Law Index
federal2012
Additional Highlights:First AmendmentStolen ValorFalse Statements
United States v. Alvarez
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
The Stolen Valor Act, which criminalized false claims of receiving military medals, is unconstitutional; false statements of fact generally have First Amendment protection absent some legally cognizable harm.
Case Summary
United States v. Alvarez struck down the Stolen Valor Act, which made it a crime to falsely claim military honors, holding that false statements generally receive First Amendment protection and the government could not demonstrate that criminalizing lies about military service served a substantial government interest.