Final answer:
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Snyder v. Phelps confirmed that the Westboro Baptist Church's speech is protected by the First Amendment, despite its offensive nature, due to the high importance of freedom of expression, except in cases of clear and present danger, fighting words, and other specified limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of Snyder v. Phelps, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the speech of the members of the Westboro Baptist Church was protected by the First Amendment. This controversial decision affirmed that even highly offensive and distasteful speech, such as the church's picketing at military funerals, falls within the rights guaranteed under the freedom of speech provision. The Court's decision indicates that even when speech is hurtful, the protection of free expression is reflective of the significant weight given to the First Amendment in cases that involve public issues and matters of public concern.
However, it is also important to note that certain types of speech are not protected under the First Amendment. These include speech that presents a 'clear and present danger', 'fighting words', incitement to imminent lawless action, true threats, and defamatory statements. The Supreme Court has drawn these distinctions to balance the right of free expression against the interests of public order and individual rights.