Supreme Court Review

Cases discussed: The focus is on Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell. The Court faces the question of whether Rev. Jerry Falwell should be awarded damages for a parody in Hustler that he claims constituted “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” Additional discussion topics: Larry Flynt’s previous appearances before the Court; the seriousness of the ruling for the media; the theatrical nature of the oral arguments in the Court and in the interviews held outside the Supreme Court building. The Karcher v. May case is also briefly discussed. It involves New Jersey’s “moment of silence” statute, which requires a one minute moment of silence in all public schools for introspection or reflection. close