Respond to the following case using the IRAC format.

Fred Phelps, the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, and six of the churchs parishioners traveled to Maryland to picket the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who had been killed in Iraq in the line of duty. All of the picketing took place on public land which was approximately 1,000 feet from the church where Snyders funeral was being held. The picketers peacefully displayed their signswhich stated such things as Thank God for Dead Soldiers, Fags Doom Nations, Priests Rape Boys, and Youre Going to Hellfor about thirty minutes before the funeral began. Snyders father did not know what was on the signs until he returned home from the funeral and saw the news report. Mr. Snyder filed a suit against Phelps and the other picketers (and the Westboro Baptist Church), alleging a state tort claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress. A jury held Westboro liable for millions of dollars, but Westboro challenged the verdict. The case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. How do you believe the Supreme Court ruled and what legal issue was questioned? [Snyder v. Phelps, 131 S. Ct. 1207 (Supreme Court of the United States, 2011)]

*Remember to look at the rule for the readings this week. You may discuss the 1st amendment, but that isnt the only rule in question.