Legal Look at Phelps' Legal Woes
Legal Look at Phelps' Legal Woes Save Email Print
Posted: 7:26 PM Nov 1, 2007
 Last Updated: 8:40 AM Nov 2, 2007
 Reporter: Brian Quick
Email Address: brian.quick@wibw.com
8 comments
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Fred Phelps' Westboro Church has been ordered to pay $10.9 million to the family of a fallen marine. They picketed the funeral.

This decision would seem to bring up a great deal of constitutional, as well as legal issues.

Washburn Law Professor Bill Rich says he would be surprised if the Phelps don't win the appeal.

He also says there must be a line drawn, because if this is held up, why couldn't people sue any church for millions of dollars?

He also said he expects many more suits to be filed against the church as a result of this decision.
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Posted by: Rebecca Location: Topeka on Nov 8, 2007 at 10:50 AM
You are mistaken to think this is about protection by 1st amendment. This is a CIVIL case for damages to inflict emotional harm. The torts involved in this case will support this settlement. No one denied them the right to picket. However, they posted on their website explicit, false verbage about Snyders son on their website. Intent was clear and undefensible. With the emotional damage component - the phelps will go down every time! This is the formula others need to follow. You can find all the court documents on matthewsnyder.org (it's really satisfying to read - and see them lose big time.)
Posted by: tom Location: kansas on Nov 3, 2007 at 06:03 PM
it is great that they finally got sued and someone one that is a disgrace they need to use funerals to get people to see what they are tring to say . they must have a different god than most people .
Posted by: Nathan Location: 785, Kansas on Nov 3, 2007 at 02:59 PM
THANK GOD!
Posted by: john Location: usa on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:46 AM
to anon in kansas i would like to point out a few things. first the phelps cult has done things and will do things wich can not be allowed. if they were acting in a respectfull manner i would agree with you. there is no law or freedom witch allows me to get in your face and call you a dirty @#$!*&.phelps has become a force that has to be stopped! if you belive that the first amendment allows this kind of b.s. you need to do some reeding or pull your head out of your #$%^&!!!!
Posted by: Carolyn Location: Anywhere on Nov 3, 2007 at 02:05 AM
It's along story to read, but will give you insight into the hatred of Fred Pheleps and his group, as told by two of his own sons. http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/michael_haggerty/expose3.htm
Posted by: BOB Location: Yo Mamma's House on Nov 2, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Hooked on Phonics worked for me!
Posted by: anon Location: kansas on Nov 2, 2007 at 12:27 PM
america, watch out for what you want to bring the government in to stop. yes the phelps are maniacle, mean bunch of people. they are tearing at the heartstrings of people who support the soldiers & their families (not necessarily the war). They are degrading the very men and women who are giving their lives toward the effort of always having freedom in the U.S. If they do not agree of the protection for us, someone should have not called the bombsquad in to protect their property and followers at the church. Let them blow - if they do not support (protection) But be careful what we want the government to come in and intercede on because pretty soon we will not have any rights..next week i might want to protest something that you don't like, or you may want to protest something i don't like. I do agree but they are getting the coverage and causing hate with in the community by their actions.
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