Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/10pdf/09-751.pdf
Page Number: 4.0

4 

SNYDER v. PHELPS 

Syllabus 

tentional  infliction  of  emotional  distress  or  intrusion  upon  seclu-
sion—the  allegedly  unlawful  activity  Westboro  conspired  to  accom-
plish—Snyder also cannot recover for civil conspiracy based on those 
torts.  P. 14. 

(d)  Westboro  addressed  matters  of  public  import  on  public  prop-
erty, in a peaceful manner, in full compliance with the guidance of lo-
cal  officials.    It  did  not  disrupt  Mathew  Snyder’s  funeral,  and  its
choice to picket at that time and place did not alter the nature of its
speech.  Because  this  Nation  has  chosen  to  protect  even  hurtful
speech  on  public  issues  to  ensure  that  public  debate  is  not  stifled, 
Westboro must be shielded from tort liability for its picketing in this 
case.  Pp. 14–15. 

580 F. 3d 206, affirmed. 

ROBERTS, C. J.,  delivered  the  opinion  of  the  Court,  in  which  SCALIA, 
KENNEDY,  THOMAS,  GINSBURG,  BREYER,  SOTOMAYOR,  and  KAGAN,  JJ., 
joined.  BREYER, J., filed a concurring opinion.  ALITO, J., filed a dissent-
ing opinion.