Free speech at funerals
Snyder v. Phelps
In brief
The Supreme Court upheld the ruling that the First Amendment protected Westboro from liability for its picketing in this case.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 8-1 · March 2, 2011 · Opinion by Justice Breyer
- What it’s about
- Albert Snyder sued the Westboro Baptist Church over its picketing at his son Matthew’s military funeral, claiming emotional harm.
- Who it affects
- The ruling protects Westboro from civil liability for the picketing challenged in Snyder's lawsuit.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court agreed with the lower court and ruled that the First Amendment protected Westboro from tort liability for its picketing in this case.
Matthew Snyder was a Marine killed in Iraq.
The dispute asked whether a family could sue over emotional harm from protest messages at a military funeral.
Question presented
Does the First Amendment protect protesters at a funeral from liability for intentionally inflicting emotional distress on the family of the deceased?
What the Court decided
Holding
The First Amendment shields Westboro from tort liability for its picketing in this case. 580 F. 3d 206, affirmed.
- Result
- Affirmed
The Court's reasoning
Justice Breyer described the Court's main reason as that Westboro's picketing addressed matters of public concern—issues affecting the public.
The vote
From the opinions
“Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case.”
What's next
The Supreme Court's decision leaves the Fourth Circuit's ruling in place in Snyder's case.
Documents
Opinions
Audio
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
New analysis added
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Impact Analysis
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AI analysis generated: Opinion Summary
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Case data updated: question_presented, extraction_metadata
Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
Audio Recording added: Oral Arguments - Snyder
Opinion added: Snyder
More questions
- Did the Court address Westboro's Internet postings?
- No. Justice Breyer said the opinion said nothing about Internet postings.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.