Important Case Law Cases - Precedents

Government should not prefer one religion to another, or religion to irreligion.

Board of Education v. Grumet

The government must take that “practice” away from everyone- rule applies equally to all.

Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah

Public funds cannot go to religious organizations (even) if those funds are for non-religious functions.

Lemon v. Kurtzman

Public funds can provide “public services” that also serve a religious organization.

Everson v. Board of Education

Governments must have a compelling public interest to stop a faith practice.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Religious belief does not automatically exclude people from having to follow otherwise valid laws.

Employment Division v. Smith

Public employees may freely practice religion on their own time, and schools cannot restrict this unless it infringes on others’ rights.

Kennedy v. Bremerton