Which of the following pairs of cases impacted First Amendment rights?

The correct choice highlights two significant Supreme Court cases that shaped the interpretation of First Amendment rights. In Texas v. Johnson, the Court held that flag burning constitutes symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment, affirming the principle that individuals have the right to express dissenting views through acts of protest, even if those acts are offensive to some. This case underscored the importance of protecting freedom of speech, particularly when that speech challenges societal norms or government actions.

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier addressed the rights of student journalists and the extent of free speech protections in schools. The ruling determined that school officials have the authority to regulate student speech in school-sponsored activities, which is a nuanced aspect of First Amendment rights when considering the balance between a school's educational mission and individual expression. The decision reinforced the idea that while the First Amendment guarantees free speech, it can be subject to certain limitations in educational contexts to maintain an appropriate environment for learning.

Together, these cases illustrate the complexity of First Amendment rights, demonstrating how they can be both upheld and limited in different contexts, particularly in terms of public expression and educational settings.