Tort Law vs. the Anti-Israel Protesters

null By The Editorial BoardDec. 28, 2023 6:49 pm ETWonder Land: Following the targeting of a Jewish-owned restaurant by 'Pro Palestine' protesters in Philadelphia, Democrats start to push back against public antisemitism. Images: AP/@THATJVG via Storyful Composite: Mark KellyNormally we wouldn’t wish trial lawyers on our worst enemy. But as anti-Israel demonstrations grow increasingly lawless, the plaintiffs bar could help. Why not hit protesters who break the law and keep Americans from getting to their destination with a tort liability suit for false imprisonment?On Wednesday anti-Israel protesters blocked access to JFK and LAX airports in New York and Los Angeles, respectively. The laws of New York and California, like most states, recognize the tort. While there is no precedent applying this tort to road-blocking protesters, it fits the offense. The purpose of these demonstrations is to block the road to keep people from getting to the airport—deliberately and against their will.

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The Editorial Board

Dec. 28, 2023 6:49 pm ET

Wonder Land: Following the targeting of a Jewish-owned restaurant by 'Pro Palestine' protesters in Philadelphia, Democrats start to push back against public antisemitism. Images: AP/@THATJVG via Storyful Composite: Mark Kelly

Normally we wouldn’t wish trial lawyers on our worst enemy. But as anti-Israel demonstrations grow increasingly lawless, the plaintiffs bar could help. Why not hit protesters who break the law and keep Americans from getting to their destination with a tort liability suit for false imprisonment?

On Wednesday anti-Israel protesters blocked access to JFK and LAX airports in New York and Los Angeles, respectively. The laws of New York and California, like most states, recognize the tort. While there is no precedent applying this tort to road-blocking protesters, it fits the offense. The purpose of these demonstrations is to block the road to keep people from getting to the airport—deliberately and against their will.