During World War I, socialists Defendants distributed leaflets declaring that the draft violated the Thirteenth Amendment prohibition against involuntary servitude. The leaflets urged the public to disobey the draft, but advised only peaceful action. One Defendant was charged with conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act of $1917$ by attempting to cause insubordination in the military and to obstruct recruitment. Defendants were convicted of violating this law and appealed on the grounds that the statute violated the First Amendment.

Did the Defendants' conviction under the Espionage Act for criticizing the draft violate the First Amendment right to freedom of speech?

Group of answer choices

No$.$ The Court held that the Espionage Act did not violate the First Amendment and was an appropriate exercise of Congress$$ wartime authority.

Yes. During times of war we must criticize the government.

yes. Going to prison under the Espionage Act is wrong. The Espionage Act is for spies, not for protestors.

yes. Free speech is just that, free.