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Transcript

Court Division

Snyder Family

Was very displeased with the decision of the Courts

Believed their rights had been infringed upon especially their right to privacy

Tried to appeal to US Court of Appeals but the appeal did not appear before the Court.

Tried to involve military personnel to persuade change in verdict

Justice Samuel Alito

  • Filed dissenting opinion
  • was only justice to do so

Justice Samuel Alito filed a lone dissent, in which he argued: "Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case."

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

  • Held majority opinion
  • Supported lower courts decisions

The First Amendment shields those who stage a protest at the funeral of a military service member from liability and/or possible lawsuit.

Justice Stephen J. Breyer

  • Filed concurring opinion
  • Wanted the further push the protection the of the First Amendment rights during this case.

"I do not believe that our First Amendment analysis can stop at that point."

Phelps Reasoning

Past 20 years the congregation of the Westboro Baptist Church has picketed funerals of military personnel to state position that God dislikes the US for tolerance of homosexuality.

Condemn Catholic Church for scandals involving clergy.

Mr. Summers' Involvement

Public Reaction

  • Believes that Phelps was invading the privacy of the Snyder family
  • Phelps posted flyers on the internet of the funeral
  • Judges pointed out that viewers have the choice of reading the flyer
  • if flyer distresses readers it is their own fault
  • Protesters were given permission by the police to stand outside of the service
  • Protesters did not:
  • target the Synder family
  • disrupt the funeral

Petitioner: Albert Snyder

Respondent: Fred W. Phelps

Chief Justice: John G. Roberts

Many were outraged with the court's decision, particularly other people who had encountered the Westboro Baptist Church at funeral or other places of controversy.

However some agree with the decision because it further defines the protection of the First Amendment for citizens.

Cate's Opinion

  • How can the constitution allow one to act disrespectful towards an other's sexuality when they have served for our country?
  • Do they not deserve our respect and gratitude for serving?
  • If we don't treat them equally as others who have served, why don't they all be treated rudely?
  • Would the situation be viewed differently if someone was protesting against a heterosexual person?
  • It is embarrassing that the constitution protects discourteous behavior.

Former Marine,Lance Matthew Snyder, family filed lawsuit against members of Westboro Baptist Church for defamation, invasion of privacy, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress by displaying signs.

Personal Insight

Snyder v. Phelps

Morgan's Opinion

Does the First Amendment protect protesters at a funeral from liability for intentionally inflicting emotional distress on the family of the decreased?

"Yes, Supreme Court decided in favor of the lower court decision. Held that First Amendment shields those who stage a protest at the funeral of a military service member from liability."

  • It is absurd that the constitution now protects this kind of behavior.
  • It is not morally right to harass someone at a place where they are mourning a loved one's death.
  • Makes me wonder about the moral status of the United States
  • Where are we headed if the law protects Phelps and people like him from any kind of lawsuit or punishment?

U.S. Court of Appeals, 2010

Cate Gwin and Morgan Smith

Work Cited

"SNYDER v. PHELPS." SNYDER v. PHELPS. N.p., 06 Oct. 2010. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

Supreme Court Staff. "SNYDER v. PHELPS." Oyez. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

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