Const Law II: Church & State

Course Information

Registration Information

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
MON, WED 12:30 - 1:45 pm TNH 3.125

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
Final exam May 7, 2009 8:30 am A-Z in 2.138
Paper

Description

This course will focus on the dual (and uniquely American) guarantees of religious freedom set forth in the First Amendment -- free exercise of religion and non-establishment. The evolution of the constitutionally mandated "separation" between government and religion will be traced from the Supreme Court's first attempt at definition in a 1947 case through recent rulings that involve such difficult issues of law and policy as religious displays on public property, public funding of parochial schools and religious programs in public schools. The balance of the course will focus mainly on the meaning of the First Amendment safeguard for the "Free Exercise of Religion," although attention will also be given to defining the proper role of civil courts in resolving disputes and conflicts that arise within religious organizations and communities of faith. Special attention will be given to current church and state controversies, not only those pending in the U.S. Supreme Court, but also disputes at an earlier stage in the legal process and those that have not yet reached the courts but are likely to be there in the near future.

Instructors

Headshot of O'Neil, Robert M O'Neil, Robert M
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