DENVER—The Justice Department will appeal two court decisions that said a federal law making it illegal to lie about being a war hero is unconstitutional.
Prosecutors in Colorado said Friday they’ll appeal a Denver federal court ruling that the Stolen Valor Act violates free speech.
A California appeals court also found the law unconstitutional. Late Thursday, prosecutors asked that court to reconsider.
The law makes it a crime punishable by up to a year in jail to falsely claim to have received a military medal.
Opponents say it puts too much power in government hands, and that lying for financial gain is covered by existing laws.
Supporters say the Constitution doesn’t protect people who knowingly lie, and the law protects the honor of real heroes.
