Assignment
Length: 5 to 6 pages.
Provides the following selective list of 1st Amendment religious issues addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court:
• Standing to sue
• Tax exemption to religious institutions
• Legislative chaplains
• Government-sponsored religious displays
• Religion in public education
• Prayer in public schools
• Teaching of creationism in public schools
• Governmental aid to church-related schools
• Blue laws
• Religious institution functioning as a government agency
• Unequal government treatment of religious groups
• Polygamy
• Religion and the right to work
• Religious tests for public service or benefits
• Religion and free speech
• Religion and public education
• Religion and public property
• Solicitation by religious groups
• Religion and eminent domain
• Ritual sacrifice of animals
• Government intervention in church controversies
The list provides a quick thumbnail sketch of how many different types of cases have been litigated as the Court continually refines the meaning of freedom of religion-and freedom from religion.
Choose two of these areas--one dealing with free exercise and one with establishment--and for each of them, do the following:
Identify: whether this issue involves free exercise or establishment.
Research: the history of the issue in terms of court cases. Write at least a few substantial paragraphs on questions such as:
1. How has it been interpreted over the years?
2. Have there been reverses in later decisions?
3. What is the currently accepted interpretation?
4. Where do we stand today on this issue?
5. Analyze: the pros and cons of the issue, using your own interpretations, backed with research (properly cited.) This is the meat of your paper, so don't skimp. Deal with such questions as
6. What are the relevant questions involved?
7. What were the positions on either side?
8. Is the issue now favoring a more conservative or more liberal interpretation?
9. Do you agree with what the courts have decided, especially the current interpretation? Why or why not? Give the arguments for both sides, and analyze the pros and cons, citing cases or other research as relevant.
10. Do you think public opinion has had an effect on the decisions? Do you think this is good? Why or why not?
11. What do you predict will happen with regard to this issue in the future? Are there important cases coming up through the lower courts? Is there an interpretive trend? What factors in the public arena might influence future decisions?
12. Do not simply answer these questions one by one. Use them as a guide to how to shape a thoughtful, informed analysis of the issues. You will be evaluated in large part on how thoughtfully you go beyond these questions in your analysis.
Format your assignment according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.