UNITED STATES, PETITIONER v. XAVIER ALVAREZ
Supreme Court Cases
567 U.S. 709 (2012)
Case Overview
Legal Principle at Issue
Is the Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a crime to falsely claim receipt of military decorations or medals and provides an enhanced penalty if the Congressional Medal of Honor is involved, constitutional? 18 U. S. C. §§704 (b), (c).
Action
Affirmed (includes modified). Petitioning party did not receive a favorable disposition.
Facts/Syllabus
The Stolen Valor Act makes it a crime to falsely claim receipt of military decorations or medals and provides an enhanced penalty if the Congressional Medal of Honor is involved. 18 U. S. C. §§704 (b), (c). Respondent pleaded guilty to a charge of falsely claiming that he had received the Medal of Honor, but reserved his right to appeal his claim that the Act is unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
Importance of Case
The Stolen Valor Act was a content-based restriction on free speech and violated the First Amendment. This case abandoned the holding of United States v. Strandlof, 667 F.3d 1146.