Indiana: "Flag desecration" is a misdemeanor that occurs when someone "knowingly or intentionally mutilates, defaces, burns, or tramples any United States flag, standard, or ensign."
Penalty: none specified.
Source: 35-45-1-4
Analysis:
Indiana's ban on flag desecration is one of the simplest and shortest of all state laws on this matter. Not every state specifies that you have to "intentionally" deface or burn the American flag in order to commit a crime. If the point of the law is to protect the flag, then why does it matter if the action is intentional or not? It seems that "intention" is most relevant if the point is suppress an intended message.
More:
- Overview of State Laws on Flag Abuse, Burning, Desecration
- Index of State Laws on Flag Abuse, Burning, Desecration
