Denver appeals court weighs military impostor law

DENVER (AP) — A government attorney says a law making it illegal to lie about being a war hero defends the integrity of important military medals and protects the public from being manipulated.

But a defense attorney countered the law is too broad and doesn’t fit any of the narrow exceptions to freedom of speech the courts have allowed.

The Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments today on the Stolen Valor Act. The case centers on Rick Strandlof, a Colorado man who was arrested after claiming he was awarded medals for serving as a Marine in Iraq.

His lawyers have acknowledged the claims were false.

A federal judge ruled the law violated the First Amendment. Prosecutors asked the 10th Circuit to uphold the law, which has also been challenged in California.