What landmark case addressed the issue of symbolic speech?

The landmark case that addressed the issue of symbolic speech is Texas v. Johnson. This 1989 Supreme Court decision specifically dealt with an individual's right to engage in symbolic speech as a form of protest. In this case, Gregory Lee Johnson was convicted for burning the American flag in protest of government policies. The Supreme Court ruled that this act constituted symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

The Court found that flag burning is a form of expression with a political message and that prohibiting it infringes upon free speech rights. This case emphasized the principle that not all forms of speech are verbal; actions can also convey powerful messages, and the government cannot restrict these expressions simply because they are controversial or offensive.

While the other cases mentioned also concern important First Amendment issues, they do not specifically focus on the concept of symbolic speech. Miranda v. Arizona pertains to the rights of individuals during police interrogations, Tinker v. Des Moines deals with students' rights to express themselves in public schools, and New York Times v. Sullivan addresses issues of libel and freedom of the press. Each of these cases contributes to the broader understanding of civil rights and liberties but does not center on symbolic speech in the way Texas v. Johnson does.