Supreme Court Considers Modern Stalking Laws in Colorado Case.

The US Supreme Court is considering when statements, particularly those made online, can be considered "true threats" not protected by the First Amendment. The case involves a Colorado law used to convict Billy Raymond Counterman of stalking and causing "emotional distress" for Coles Whalen, a singer-songwriter he had never met. Counterman contends the state must show that the speaker intends the messages to be threatening. Colorado, backed by the Justice Department and a majority of states, says it should be enough that a "reasonable" recipient feel the threat of physical harm could be imminent, based on the context of the circumstances.