Question

How did the supreme court rule regarding the espionage act?

Answer 1

Hint:Two months after the United States of America had entered into World war 1, the espionage act was passed on June 15, 1917, by Congress. The espionage act is the federal law of the United States of America.

Complete answer:
The espionage act of 1917 prohibited interference with military recruitment or operations, it prevented the support of the enemies of the United States of America during wartime and it prevented insubordination in the military. Charles T. Schenck was the general secretary of the socialist party of the United States. The implementation of a military draft of the country was opposed by him. Around 1500 leaflets that called for men who were drafted to resist military service were printed and distributed by the socialist party. For violating the espionage act, Schenck was arrested. On January 9 1919 an oral argument was heard at the supreme court where the council of Schenck argued that the espionage act was unconstitutional and his client Schenck was exercising the freedom of speech that was guaranteed to him by the first amendment of the constitution of the country. Through Schenck v. the United States, the supreme court of the United States unanimously on 3 March 1919, ruled that the act did not violate the freedom of speech of those who are convicted under the provisions of the act.

Note:The first amendment of the constitution of the United States of America protects the freedom of speech of its people. The supreme court of the United States in a legal case Schenk v. the United States ruled that if the words printed or spoken represented a “clear and present danger” to society, the first amendment can be restricted.