Snyder v. Phelps - First Amendment bars tort remedy for family offended by Westboro Baptist Protest

The bizarre Westboro Baptist Church cult  attended the funeral of a soldier displaying signs like  "God loves dead soldiers".  Yet the offended father  cannot recover damages for the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress.  It  is barred by the First Amendment, said the U.S. Supreme Court.  I actually agree with Chief Justice Roberts, who was joined by all but Justice Alito.  It is a public matter and the lunatic fringe anti-homosexual group stood 1,000 feet from the church protesting a matter of public concern.


The opinion is HERE


Update: Interesting commentary on the First Amendment issues by Neil Richards at Concurring Opinions.