MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court could make it harder for someone to be prosecuted for things they post on social media.
The nation’s highest court threw out the conviction of a Pennsylvania man who was convicted for making threats against his estranged wife, children and law enforcement on Facebook.
“The more we’re using social networks like that I think that’s going to happen more,” said Joy Leport, a Facebook user, after she heard the news.
“I think it’s a facade to hide behind to say what they think and know they probably shouldn’t say in public,” said Leport.
According to the state of Pennsylvania, Anthony Elonis was posting more than complaints.
He was prosecuted after he posted Facebook rants in the form of rap lyrics about killing his estranged wife and hurting officers.
He said his inspiration was rap artist Eminem.
“I think you know, that’s kind of going to the extreme with it,” said Leport.
The case dates back to 2010.
Elonis even served prison time and his wife got a protective order against him.
But on Monday the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Elonis didn’t break the law by simply posting threatening comments online.
His attorney argued it’s free speech and the judges agreed, but they didn’t say what would be considered going too far.
“I think it’s out of hand. I don’t think it’s used for what it was intended for,” said George Hunt.
Hunt said he’s not on Facebook but his children are.
Hunt said while Elonis’ case is disturbing, he thinks there are other things the Supreme Court should be handling.
“I think that’s a waste of the Supreme Court’s time. They have more pressing issues to resolve than Facebook.” he said.
Elonis said the posts were a form of therapy to help him cope with breaking up with his wife and losing his job.
