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Updated: 8:40 AM Nov 2, 2007
Legal Look at Phelps' Legal Woes
13 News wanted to look at the legal ramifications of the verdict against Fred Phelps' Westboro Church. We spoke with a Washburn Constitutional Law Professor for insight. Posted: 7:26 PM Nov 1, 2007Reporter: Brian Quick Email Address: brian.quick@wibw.com |
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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.
Latest Comments
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.)
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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 .
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