Landmark Criminal Law Cases: Cross Burning, Felony Murder Explored

Criminal Law: Case Briefs Institutional Affiliation 16th March 2021 Case Briefs Virginia v. Black, 538 U.S. 343 (2003) FACTS This case involves three defendants put on trial for cross burning with the intent of menacing and found guilty by a jury. This was under the laws of Virginia regarding cross burning since the object create panic to an individual or a gathering. According to the interpretation of prima facie, the act of cross burning is considered as evidence enough to stand trial. The verdict was supported by Virginia Supreme Court and was petitioned by the three defendants. ISSUE Does the interpretation of the Virginia laws of cross burning under the prima facie violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, right to free speech? CO