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Doug and Pam Sterner are photographed in their home in Alexandria, Va. Pam is the author of a college paper that led to the drafting of a federal law in 2006, the Stolen Valor Act.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
High court torn over law banning lie about medals
Justices debated constitutionality
Updated: Wednesday, 22 Feb 2012, 2:51 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 22 Feb 2012, 12:31 PM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appears to be sharply divided over a law that makes it a crime to lie about having been awarded top military honors.
The justices engaged in spirited debate Wednesday over the constitutionality of a 2006 law aimed at curbing false claims about military exploits.
Some justices said they worried that upholding the Stolen Valor Act could lead to laws that might make it illegal to lie about an extramarital affair or a college degree.
But others indicated that the law is narrowly drawn to try to prevent people from demeaning the system of military honors that was established by Gen. George Washington in 1782.
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