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High court torn over lying about medals

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 22, 2012 2:51 PM

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.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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