Problem
On behalf of Mulugeta Seraw's family, the SPLC sued Tom and John Metzger. Although the Metzgers were more than a thousand miles away at the time of the murder, the SPLC argued that they should be liable because they had encouraged Portland skinheads toward violence. The Metzgers' defense was that they were exercising their First Amendment rights. The SPLC obtained a $12.5 million judgment against the Metzgers, but many civil libertarians were concerned about the repercussions of this case. In your view, to what extent should extremist leaders like the Metzgers be held liable for the actions of their followers?