Re: 11 million dollar verdict against Fred Phelps
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I'm not sure I understand 100%. Was the lawsuit based on the fact that what the Church-members/protestors were saying was slanderous? Or just that it was offensive?
The First Amendment only applies to the Government limiting what people say, not on private citizens going to court with other private citizens.
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The jury awarded 2.9 million in compenatory damages, 6 million in punitive damages, and 2 million for emotional distress.
I feel really bad for the family having to see those signs, but if they are peacefully protesting in public, I cannot imagine how that is worth 11 million dollars. And if that becomes a new standard, protesting of any kind will be in jepoardy.
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