PSCI 2030 Civil Liberties

Civil Liberties

Definition

• Civil liberties are fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution.

• They often involve conflicts between different groups' rights and interests.

Example: Westboro Baptist Church

• The Westboro Baptist Church is known for its extreme views, particularly against LGBTQIA rights.

• They protested at the funerals of U.S. service members, claiming such deaths were punishment from God due to America's progressive stance on LGBTQIA issues.

Snyder v. Phelps Case

• The case involved Albert Snyder, father of a soldier killed in action.

• Snyder sued the Westboro Baptist Church for emotional distress due to their protest at his son's funeral.

• Initially, Snyder won the lawsuit for emotional distress.

• The case was appealed and reached the Supreme Court.

• The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church, upholding their First Amendment rights.

Supreme Court Ruling

• Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion, stating:

  • The protests did not violate any laws.

  • The protests did not pose a threat to physical safety.

  • The church's right to free speech outweighed Snyder's claims of emotional harm.

Implications of the Case

• This case highlights the conflict between rights:

  • The right to free speech vs. the right to not be subjected to distress.

• It illustrates the complexities of civil liberties and the balancing act courts must perform when these liberties collide.