Constitutional Law II: Religious Freedom (Part 1)

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to religious freedom as discussed in the lecture notes.

Religious Freedom

The right to practice any religion or no religion without government interference.

Established Church

A church officially recognized by the government, often supported by taxpayer funding.

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

A law drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1779 advocating for the separation of church and state.

Establishment Clause

The clause in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

Free Exercise Clause

The clause in the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

Belief/Action Distinction

The legal concept that protects religious beliefs but may limit the actions based on those beliefs.

Valid Secular Policy Test

A test applied by the Supreme Court to determine if a law is constitutional when it conflicts with religious practices.

Compelling State Interest Test

A legal standard for determining whether a law that burdens religious practice is justified by a compelling interest.

Sherbert Test

A three-part test to see if a law that burdens religious exercise is justified, including the burden on religion and the existence of a compelling state interest.

Absolutist Libertarianism

A philosophy advocating for total protection of religious liberties, regardless of public policy.

Absolutist Communitarianism

A philosophy allowing communities to regulate religious practices to maintain social order.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

A Supreme Court case where the Court ruled that Amish children could be exempt from compulsory education laws under the Free Exercise Clause.

Cantwell v. Connecticut

A Supreme Court case that ruled a Connecticut law prohibiting door-to-door sales violated the free exercise rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Reynolds v. United States

A Supreme Court case that distinguished between religious beliefs and actions, ruling that bigamy could be prohibited.

Prince v. Massachusetts

A Supreme Court case that upheld a law prohibiting child labor, even for religious activities.