Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
symbolic speechFunction:
noun : conduct that is intended to convey a particular message which is likely to be understood by those viewing it
symbolic speech —City of Harvard v. Gaut, 660 North Eastern Reporter, Second Series 259 (1996)> —compare COMMERCIAL SPEECH, PURE SPEECH
NOTE: Symbolic speech is entitled to free speech protection under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution unless its regulation is within the constitutional power of the government and is justified by an important government interest, and the restriction placed on it by regulation is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of that interest.
