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Torts Keyed to Christie
Snyder v. Phelps
Citation:
526 U.S. 443, 151 S.Ct. 1207, 179 L.Ed. 2d 172 (2011)Facts
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church (Defendants), known for their belief that God hates America for its tolerance of homosexuality in the military, picketed on public land near a funeral being held for Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. The Defendants held signs that said things like “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “American is Doomed.” Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder’s father (Plaintiff) sued Defendants for defamation, publicity given to private life, intentional infliction of emotional distress, intrusion upon seclusion, and civil conspiracy. The Defendants argued their protest was protected by the First Amendment.
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Topic Resources
Topic Refresher Course
Intentional Infliction of Emotional DistressTopic Charts & Notes
Emotional Distress