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Speech & Press
Snyder v. Phelps
Decided: 2011
In brief
Protected offensive protest speech on public issues, even at a soldier's funeral, from tort liability.
The Court's ruling in depth
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church picketed the funeral of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder with signs about homosexuality and America. Chief Justice Roberts, for an 8–1 Court, held that speech on public issues, on public property, and lawfully conducted cannot be the basis for tort liability, however 'painful' its content. 'As a Nation we have chosen ... to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.'