Legal Concepts from the Lecture on the Fourth Amendment and Animal Sacrifice Case

These flashcards cover the key legal concepts discussed in the lecture regarding animal sacrifice laws, the Fourth Amendment, and the exclusionary rule along with notable court cases.

What was the central conflict and the underlying facts in Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah?

The case centered on the Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye's practice of animal sacrifice as a form of devotion to orishas. The city of Hialeah passed ordinances prohibiting animal sacrifice, specifically targeting the church's practices due to opposition from neighbors.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling and its significance in Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah?

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled the Hialeah ordinances unconstitutional. Its significance was reinforcing that laws burdening religious practice must be neutral and generally applicable, demonstrating that governments cannot target religious practices with discriminatory legislation.

What was the issue and legal outcome in Employment Division v. Smith?

The case involved two Native Americans denied unemployment benefits after being fired for peyote use as part of a religious ceremony. The Supreme Court ruled that religious beliefs do not excuse individuals from complying with valid, neutral, and generally applicable laws, even if those laws incidentally burden religious practices.

What was the major significance or impact of the Employment Division v. Smith decision?

The decision significantly altered the standard for Free Exercise Clause challenges, making it harder to challenge laws that incidentally burden religion. In response, Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to restore the 'compelling interest' test for federal laws.

What was the factual background and legal question in Mapp v. Ohio?

Police illegally searched Dollree Mapp's home without a warrant, looking for a bombing suspect, and instead found obscene materials. The legal question was whether illegally obtained evidence could be used in a state criminal proceeding.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling and lasting significance in Mapp v. Ohio?

The Supreme Court ruled that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is inadmissible in state courts. This landmark decision applied the exclusionary rule to the states, strengthening protection against illegal searches nationwide.