The Supreme Court issued a 7-2 decision to vacate a Colorado man’s stalking conviction on Tuesday, clarifying when speech constitutes a “true threat” not protected by the First Amendment.

The Details: Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the majority, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote an opinion with Justice Neil Gorsuch agreeing with the result but not all of its reasoning. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote a dissenting opinion, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. The defendant had been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for harassing a female musician with a series of messages, including "Was that you in the white Jeep?" and "You're not being good for human relations. Die. Don't need you."

Key Quotes: "The State must show that the defendant consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence," Kagan wrote. Barrett said the ruling "unjustifiably grants true threats preferential treatment."

For Context: The court's 6-3 conservative majority has fragmented on several decisions this term, including on the "independent state legislature" theory and voting rights.

How the Media Covered It: Some left-rated sources, like USA TODAY (Lean Left bias) focused on voices who suggested the ruling could enable stalkers. One report from Washington Examiner (Lean Right) highlighted voices who implied the decision could make it harder for the Justice Department to indict former President Donald Trump over his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.