Can you throw axes at pictures of people?

Since we brought out our new Axe Photo Game, many have asked if throwing at pictures of your boss, your ex, political figures, etc. is legal. Turns out the courts say yea.. if there is no true threat intended.  Here are some articles if you want to dive in to the topic.

Some people shoot guns or throw axes at pictures of real individuals, often public figures, as a form of expression. But the law protects our right to free speech, including symbolic actions like this, as long as there’s no genuine intent to harm or threaten the person in the picture. Courts have established the True Threat Doctrine, which means that speech or actions that genuinely threaten others are not protected by the First Amendment. So, if the act is done as a political protest or satire without the intention of causing harm, it’s likely to be protected as free speech. However, if there’s a real threat or intent to intimidate, then legal consequences may follow. It’s essential to understand the difference between exercising free speech and making actual threats when engaging in such actions.

So, if you have a restraining order on you, I’d probably suggest you only put up pictures of deer, or bears.  Or take pictures of your opponent and make that your images. But if there is no actual threat involved, the courts say this is legal.

The following article expands on the legality of axe throwing (or shooting guns) at pictures or people.

Title: The Legality of Shooting Guns or Throwing Axes at Pictures of Real People: An Extensive Analysis with Legal Precedents

Introduction

In the digital age, the internet and social media have sparked a multitude of controversial trends that challenge the boundaries of free speech and expression. Among these trends is the practice of shooting guns or throwing axes at pictures of real people, often public or political figures. This article delves into the legal implications of such actions, with a particular focus on the True Threat Doctrine, supported by pertinent court cases, to determine the legality of these forms of symbolic speech.

First Amendment and Symbolic Speech

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution safeguards the right to freedom of speech, encompassing a broad spectrum of expressive forms, including symbolic speech. Symbolic speech involves conveying ideas and opinions through non-verbal actions or conduct. Courts have consistently upheld the significance of protecting symbolic speech as a fundamental aspect of free expression.

The True Threat Doctrine

The True Threat Doctrine serves as a legal principle to distinguish between protected speech and speech that constitutes a genuine threat of harm or violence to others. Under this doctrine, speech qualifying as a true threat is not afforded protection under the First Amendment.

Watts v. United States (1969)^1

In Watts v. United States, the Supreme Court examined the case of a young man who made threatening remarks against President Lyndon B. Johnson during a public demonstration. The Court held that while the statement in question was crude and ill-advised, it did not amount to a true threat. The Court emphasized that political hyperbole and strong language are often protected forms of expression and that the context of the speech must be carefully considered to determine whether it constitutes a true threat.

Virginia v. Black (2003)^2

Virginia v. Black is a pivotal case in comprehending the True Threat Doctrine. The Supreme Court analyzed a Virginia statute that criminalized cross burning with the intent to intimidate. The Court ruled that cross burning could be considered expressive conduct and thus protected by the First Amendment in certain circumstances. However, if the act was done with the intent to intimidate, it could lose its protected status. This case underscores the importance of analyzing the intent behind the action to ascertain whether it constitutes a true threat.

Intent and Context

To assess whether shooting guns or throwing axes at pictures of real people constitutes a true threat, the intent behind the action is of utmost significance. Courts thoroughly examine the context in which the act occurred and whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that the conduct was intended to intimidate, harass, or incite violence against the depicted individual.

Political Protest and Satire

If the act is performed as a form of political protest or satire, it may be shielded by the First Amendment as protected symbolic speech. Political speech, even when provocative or controversial, is often safeguarded as a vital part of public discourse.

True Threat Determination

The determination of whether an act qualifies as a true threat involves a case-by-case analysis. Courts consider various factors, including the language used, the medium through which the communication was made, the targeted individual’s reaction, and whether there is a history of hostility or violent behavior between the parties involved.

Potential Legal Consequences

Engaging in actions like shooting guns or throwing axes at pictures of real people without clear evidence of a true threat may be protected under the First Amendment. However, individuals who engage in such actions recklessly, with harmful intent, or in a manner that genuinely threatens others may face potential legal consequences, depending on the specific circumstances and relevant laws.

Conclusion

The True Threat Doctrine is a critical tool in striking a balance between protecting free speech and safeguarding public safety. Shooting guns or throwing axes at pictures of real people may be protected as symbolic speech if it lacks a genuine intent to harm or intimidate. Nevertheless, context, intent, and potential threats must be carefully assessed to ensure responsible exercise of free expression without endangering others. Understanding the complexities of the True Threat Doctrine is essential in navigating the fine line between constitutionally protected speech and potential criminal conduct.

Footnotes:

  1. Watts v. United States, 394 U.S. 705 (1969).
  2. Virginia v. Black, 538 U.S. 343 (2003).Title: Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969): The Evolution of Free Speech Protections

Another article that address it

Introduction

In 1969, the United States Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision in Brandenburg v. Ohio, significantly shaping the interpretation of free speech protections under the First Amendment. This pivotal case introduced the “imminent lawless action” test, which established a clear benchmark for determining when speech can be restricted based on its potential to incite violence or lawlessness. This article delves into the Brandenburg case and its enduring impact on the delicate balance between free speech rights and maintaining public order.

The Context of Brandenburg v. Ohio

In the early 1960s, Clarence Brandenburg, a leader in the Ku Klux Klan, delivered a speech at a rally that was recorded and later broadcasted by a television station. During the speech, Brandenburg made inflammatory and racist remarks, advocating for the potential violent overthrow of the U.S. government. As a result, he was charged and convicted under an Ohio law that prohibited advocating for violence or criminal acts.

The Imminent Lawless Action Test

The Supreme Court’s decision in Brandenburg v. Ohio provided crucial clarity on the circumstances under which speech could be restricted based on its potential to incite violence. The Court ruled that the Ohio law, as applied in this case, was unconstitutional because it violated the First Amendment. In its ruling, the Court introduced the “imminent lawless action” test to determine when speech could be limited:

“…the constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit a State to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.”

Significance and Impact

The Brandenburg decision marked a significant shift in how courts evaluated the constitutionality of laws limiting free speech. It established a higher threshold for restricting speech, protecting a broader range of expressive activities, even those that might be offensive or provocative.

Overruling Clear and Present Danger Test

Before Brandenburg, the “clear and present danger” test, established in Schenck v. United States (1919), was used to determine the constitutionality of limiting free speech. This test allowed for the restriction of speech that posed a “clear and present danger” to public safety. However, it was often misused to stifle political dissent and unpopular ideas. The Brandenburg decision overruled the “clear and present danger” test, providing a more stringent standard for restricting speech based on its potential to incite violence.

Protecting Advocacy of Abstract Theories

The Brandenburg case reinforced the principle that mere advocacy or abstract discussion of illegal actions is generally protected by the First Amendment. It emphasized that speech must directly incite or produce imminent lawless action to be subject to restriction, shielding political and social discussions even if they discuss controversial or radical ideas.

Limitations of the Imminent Lawless Action Test

While the “imminent lawless action” test has expanded free speech protections, it is not without limitations. The test still allows for restrictions on speech when it is directly linked to immediate violence or illegal acts. Incitement that leads to imminent harm is not protected under the First Amendment, ensuring public safety remains paramount.

Conclusion

The Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) decision was a landmark moment in the evolution of free speech protections in the United States. The “imminent lawless action” test introduced in this case set a clear standard for assessing when speech can be constitutionally restricted based on its potential to incite violence or lawlessness. By overruling the “clear and present danger” test, the Court safeguarded a broader range of expressive activities and ensured that political and social discussions would not be unduly silenced. Nonetheless, the test maintains a balance, allowing for restrictions on speech when it directly incites immediate violence or illegal actions. The legacy of the Brandenburg decision continues to shape the delicate equilibrium between preserving free speech rights and safeguarding public order in modern constitutional jurisprudence.