Expressive conduct, sometimes called symbolic speech, includes nonverbal activities that convey ideas. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court has found protection for wearing an armband with a peace symbol printed on it and for burning the U.S. flag. Such activities are sufficiently imbued with elements of communication to receive First Amendment protection. Under the same reasoning, protests and boycotts receive constitutional protection.
However, non-expressive conduct receives no First Amendment protection. The Supreme Court has ruled, for instance, that a physical assault of another person is not expressive conduct. Similarly, there is no constitutional protection for protestors who engage in property damage, trespassing or blocking entrances to buildings.