nytimes word list

Michael F.
237 words 4 learners

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  1. brutalization
    the condition of being treated in a cruel and savage manner
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  2. First Amendment
    an amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing freedoms
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  3. buffer zone
    a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  4. majority opinion
    the judgement joined by more than half of the court
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  5. chief justice
    the judge who presides over a supreme court
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  6. public debate
    the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  7. hurtful
    causing hurt
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  8. news organization
    an agency to collects news reports for newspapers and distributes it electronically
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  9. homosexuality
    a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex
    The church contends that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality.
  10. appeals court
    a court whose jurisdiction is to review decisions of lower courts or agencies
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  11. punishing
    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion
    But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.”
  12. empower
    give or delegate authority to
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  13. Roberts
    United States evangelist (born 1918)
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  14. freedom of the press
    a right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  15. funeral
    a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  16. Topeka
    the capital of the state of Kansas
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  17. buffer
    protect from impact
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  18. Baptist Church
    any of various evangelical Protestant churches that believe in the baptism of voluntary believers
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  19. refine
    reduce to a pure state
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  20. Justice
    the U.S. department responsible for enforcing federal laws
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  21. protest
    a formal and solemn declaration of objection
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  22. intentional
    done or made with purpose and will
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  23. infliction
    the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  24. ruling
    exercising power or authority
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  25. posting
    a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  26. fall short of
    fail to satisfy, as of expectations, for example
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  27. fag
    offensive term for an openly homosexual man
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  28. amendment
    a statement that is added to a proposal or document
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  29. protester
    someone who participates in a public display of group feeling
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  30. stifle
    impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  31. incalculable
    not capable of being computed or enumerated
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  32. fall short
    fail to meet (expectations or standards)
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  33. speech
    communication by word of mouth
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  34. highlight
    an area of brightness in a picture
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  35. punish
    impose a penalty on
    But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.”
  36. overturned
    having been turned so that the bottom is no longer the bottom
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  37. liken
    consider or describe as similar or equal
    He likened the protest to fighting words, which are not protected by the First Amendment.
  38. Marine
    a member of the United States Marine Corps
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  39. sue
    institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  40. tolerance
    willingness to respect the beliefs or practices of others
    The church contends that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality.
  41. staged
    deliberately arranged for effect
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  42. emphasized
    spoken with intensity or forcefulness
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  43. emphasize
    stress or single out as important
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  44. unpopular
    regarded with disfavor or lacking general approval
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  45. rule in
    include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  46. grudge
    a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation
    Second, he wrote, the relationship between the church and the Snyders was not a private grudge.
  47. church
    a place for public (especially Christian) worship
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  48. hateful
    evoking or deserving hatred
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  49. overturn
    cause to flip from an upright or normal position
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  50. react
    show a response to something
    But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.”
  51. jury
    a body of citizens sworn to give a verdict in a court of law
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  52. public
    not private
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  53. dissent
    a difference of opinion
    Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. dissented in the case, Snyder v.
  54. separately
    apart from others
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  55. commentary
    a written explanation or criticism or illustration
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  56. picket
    a wooden strip forming part of a fence
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  57. debate
    a discussion with reasons for and against some proposal
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  58. commitment
    the act of binding yourself to a course of action
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  59. ensure
    make certain of
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  60. internet
    a worldwide network of computer networks
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  61. vigorously
    in an energetic manner
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  62. rule
    prescribed guide for conduct or action
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  63. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  64. Baptist
    follower of Baptistic doctrines
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  65. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  66. comply
    act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  67. doomed
    people who are destined to die soon
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  68. refined
    cultivated and genteel
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  69. write
    name the letters that comprise the accepted form of
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  70. chief
    the head of a tribe or clan
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  71. Matthew
    disciple of Jesus
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  72. emotional
    of or pertaining to feelings
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  73. majority
    the main part
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  74. supporting
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  75. lance
    a long pointed rod used as a weapon
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  76. substantial
    real; having a material or factual existence
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  77. Wednesday
    the fourth day of the week; the third working day
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  78. require
    have need of
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  79. involve
    contain as a part
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  80. zone
    an area or region distinguished from adjacent parts
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  81. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  82. broadcast
    disseminate over the airwaves, as in radio or television
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  83. message
    a communication that is written or spoken or signaled
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  84. clergy
    the entire class of religious officials
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  85. Samuel
    Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
    Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. dissented in the case, Snyder v.
  86. inflict
    impose something unpleasant
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  87. warrant
    formal and explicit approval
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  88. Albert
    prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  89. Supreme Court
    the highest federal court in the United States
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  90. scandal
    a disgraceful event
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  91. openly
    in an open way
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  92. ruled
    subject to a ruling authority
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  93. the like
    a similar kind
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  94. protected
    kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
    He likened the protest to fighting words, which are not protected by the First Amendment.
  95. acknowledge
    declare to be true or admit the existence or reality of
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  96. award
    give, especially as an honor
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  97. Iraq
    a republic in the Middle East in western Asia
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  98. member
    anything that belongs to a set or class
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  99. acknowledged
    recognized or made known or admitted
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  100. doom
    an unpleasant or disastrous destiny
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  101. relationship
    a mutual connection between people
    Second, he wrote, the relationship between the church and the Snyders was not a private grudge.
  102. factor
    anything that contributes causally to a result
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  103. contend
    compete for something
    The church contends that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality.
  104. speaker
    someone who expresses in language
    But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.”
  105. United States
    North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
    The church contends that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality.
  106. pain
    a physical feeling of suffering or discomfort
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  107. television
    an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  108. Stephen
    English writer (1832-1904)
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  109. instructions
    a manual explaining how to install or operate a device
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  110. write in
    cast a vote by inserting a name that does not appear on the ballot
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  111. response
    the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  112. site
    the piece of land on which something is located
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  113. reporter
    a person who investigates or communicates news stories
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  114. file
    record in a public office or in a court of law
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  115. create
    bring into existence
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  116. import
    bring in from abroad
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  117. limited
    subject to restrictions or constraints
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  118. military
    the armed forces of a nation
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  119. opinion
    a personal belief or judgment
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  120. united
    being or joined into a single entity
    The church contends that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality.
  121. innocent
    free from sin
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  122. sign
    a visible clue that something has happened or is present
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  123. distress
    a state of adversity
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  124. grief
    intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  125. violence
    a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  126. More
    English statesman who opposed Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of Utopia, the ideal state
    Read More »
  127. protection
    the activity of shielding someone or something
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  128. instruction
    activities that impart knowledge or skill
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  129. treatment
    the management of someone or something
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  130. brief
    of short duration or distance
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  131. organization
    a methodical and orderly manner or approach
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  132. victim
    an unfortunate person who suffers from adverse circumstances
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  133. supreme
    greatest in status or authority or power
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  134. sorrow
    an emotion of great sadness associated with loss
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  135. bearing
    characteristic way of holding one's body
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  136. quietly
    with low volume
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  137. choice
    the act of selecting
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  138. joined
    connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  139. stir
    move an implement through
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  140. fallen
    having dropped by the force of gravity
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  141. decision
    a position or opinion reached after consideration
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  142. Catholic
    of or relating to or supporting Catholicism
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  143. first
    preceding all others in time or space or degree
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  144. fighting
    the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
    He likened the protest to fighting words, which are not protected by the First Amendment.
  145. powerful
    having great force or effect
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  146. favor
    an act of gracious kindness
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  147. required
    necessary by rule
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  148. narrow
    not wide
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  149. hate
    the emotion of intense dislike
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  150. arise
    move upward
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  151. fate
    the ultimate agency predetermining the course of events
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  152. freedom
    the power to act, speak, or think without being controlled
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  153. appeal
    earnest or urgent request
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  154. Court
    Australian woman tennis player who won many major championships (born in 1947)
    WASHINGTON — The First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in an 8-1 decision.
  155. justice
    the quality of being fair, reasonable, or impartial
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  156. tears
    the process of shedding tears
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  157. won
    not subject to defeat
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  158. limit
    as far as something can go
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  159. police
    the force of policemen and officers
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  160. proper
    marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  161. law
    the collection of rules imposed by authority
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  162. citizen
    a native or naturalized member of a state
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  163. matter
    that which has mass and occupies space
    First, he said, its speech was on matters of public concern.
  164. moral
    concerned with principles of right and wrong
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  165. case
    an occurrence of something
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  166. committee
    a special group delegated to consider some matter
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  167. stage
    any distinct time period in a sequence of events
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  168. joy
    the emotion of great happiness
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  169. to that
    to that
    But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.”
  170. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  171. God
    the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  172. be on
    appear in a show, on T.V. or radio
    First, he said, its speech was on matters of public concern.
  173. conduct
    the way a person behaves toward other people
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  174. fall
    descend freely under the influence of gravity
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  175. private
    confined to particular persons or groups
    Second, he wrote, the relationship between the church and the Snyders was not a private grudge.
  176. in order
    in a state of proper readiness or preparation or arrangement
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  177. America
    North America and South America and Central America
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  178. join
    cause to become joined or linked
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  179. news
    information about recent and important events
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  180. state
    the way something is with respect to its main attributes
    The church contends that God is punishing the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality.
  181. sort of
    to some (great or small) extent
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  182. instead
    in place of, or as an alternative to
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  183. other
    not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  184. society
    an extended group having a distinctive cultural organization
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  185. concern
    something that interests you because it is important
    First, he said, its speech was on matters of public concern.
  186. group
    any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
    Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling that three factors required a ruling in favor of the church group.
  187. tear
    separate or cause to separate abruptly
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  188. kind of
    to some (great or small) extent
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  189. press
    put pressure or force upon something
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  190. third
    one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
    Third, the members of the church “had the right to be where they were.”
  191. support
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  192. court
    an assembly to conduct judicial business
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  193. die
    lose all bodily functions necessary to sustain life
    The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder.
  194. political
    involving or characteristic of governing or social power
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  195. New York
    the largest city in New York State and in the United States
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  196. necessary
    absolutely essential
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  197. action
    something done (usually as opposed to something said)
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  198. win
    a victory (as in a race or other competition)
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  199. national
    of or relating to or belonging to a country
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  200. York
    the English royal house that reigned from 1461 to 1485
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  201. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  202. go on
    move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
    But under the First Amendment, he went on, “we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.”
  203. sort
    a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  204. different
    unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree
    Justice Stephen G. Breyer joined the majority opinion but wrote separately to say that other sorts of speech, including television broadcasts and Internet postings, might warrant different treatment.
  205. free
    able to act at will
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  206. nation
    a politically organized body of people under a government
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  207. short
    having little length or lacking in length
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  208. later
    happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  209. street
    a thoroughfare that is lined with buildings
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  210. fight
    be engaged in a contest or struggle
    He likened the protest to fighting words, which are not protected by the First Amendment.
  211. around
    in the area or vicinity
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  212. already
    prior to a specified or implied time
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  213. hundred
    ten 10s
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  214. company
    an institution created to conduct business
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  215. times
    a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  216. John
    disciple of Jesus
    “Speech is powerful,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
  217. carry
    physically move while supporting, by vehicle, hands, or body
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  218. can
    airtight sealed metal container for food or drink, etc.
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  219. move
    change location
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
  220. second
    coming next after the first in position in space or time
    Second, he wrote, the relationship between the church and the Snyders was not a private grudge.
  221. rather
    more readily or willingly
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  222. read
    look at and say out loud something written or printed
    Read More »
  223. not
    negation of a word or group of words
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  224. kind
    having a tender and considerate and helpful nature
    The opinion acknowledged that “Westboro’s choice added to Mr. Snyder’s already incalculable grief” and emphasized that the ruling was narrow and limited to the kinds of protests staged by the church.
  225. words
    language that is spoken or written
    He likened the protest to fighting words, which are not protected by the First Amendment.
  226. New
    used of a living language
    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 21 news organizations, including The New York Times Company, filed a brief supporting the church.
  227. like
    having the same or similar characteristics
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  228. appear
    come into sight or view
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  229. say
    utter aloud
    Instead, the national commitment to free speech, he said, requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
  230. foot
    the pedal extremity of vertebrates other than human beings
    They were picketing on a public street 1,000 feet from the site of the funeral, they complied with the law and with instructions from the police, and they protested quietly and without violence.
  231. bear
    be pregnant with
    As they had at hundreds of other funerals, members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing messages like “America is Doomed” and “God Hates Fags.”
  232. may
    thorny shrub of a small tree having white to scarlet flowers
    While the messages on the signs carried by its members “may fall short of refined commentary,” the chief justice wrote, “the issues they highlight — the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens, the fate of our nation, homosexuality in the military and scandals involving the Catholic clergy — are matters of public import.”
  233. father
    a male parent
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  234. general
    applying to all or most members of a category or group
    Chief Justice Roberts suggested that the proper response to hurtful protests are general laws creating buffer zones around funerals and the like, rather than empowering of juries to punish unpopular speech.
  235. order
    logical arrangement of different elements
    “In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated,” he wrote, “it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.”
  236. things
    any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
    The father of the fallen Marine, Albert Snyder, sued the protesters for, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and won a substantial jury award that was later overturned by an appeals court.
  237. both
    equally or alike
    “It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and — as it did here — inflict great pain.”
Created on Wed Mar 02 14:45:45 EST 2011 (updated Wed Mar 02 14:47:42 EST 2011)

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