<P> Expressive conduct, also called "symbolic speech" or "speech acts," is nonverbal conduct that intends to communicate a message . Examples include creating or destroying an object when performed as a statement (such as flag burning in a political protest), silent marches and parades intended to convey a message, clothing bearing meaningful symbols (such as anti-war armbands), body language, messages written in code, ideas and structures embodied as computer code ("software"), mathematical and scientific formulae, and illocutionary acts that convey by implication an attitude, request, or opinion . </P> <P> Expressive conduct is recognized as being protected under the First Amendment as a form of speech, although this is not expressly written as such in the document . </P> <P> For example, seen in light of the First Amendment, computer code is a way to speak about how a problem is solved, using the precise terms a computer might be given as directions, and flag burning is a way to speak or express forcefully of one's views opposing the acts or political position of the relevant country . Significantly, the possibility exists for a single speech act to be protected or not depending upon context and intention . For example, there may be a First Amendment distinction between burning a flag in protest and the same act performed as mere wanton vandalism . </P> <P> The Supreme Court has recognized several different types of laws that restrict speech, and subjects each type of law to a different level of scrutiny . </P>

The constitutional rights that limit the government’s power to restrict individual freedom