The plaintiffs in a law suit alleged that the heavy metal rock band Judas Priest, & its publisher CBS, were liable for damages to 2 youths who shot themselves after listening to the band’s album. Crucial issues included “proximate cause” & “precipitating cause” in suicide, & the alleged role of subliminal messages. The judge ruled that although the music might have had a toxic influence, the sounds & words are protected by the free speech first amendment. (17 refs.)