Law And Religion

Catalog description

An exploration of the interface between law and religion, primarily within the context of the American legal system. The following areas may be examined: the historical and conceptual relationships between law and religion; the history, theory and doctrine of the religion clauses of the First Amendment, and the "no religious Test" clause of article VI of the U.S. Constitution; analogous provisions of state constitutions; various federal and state statutory provisions addressing religious freedom (including conscientious objection), religious discrimination, and the taxation and regulation of religious entities; the role of religion in specific legal decision-making contexts such as health care and child custody; the influence of religious values on legal actors such as judges, legislators, lawyers, and jurors; the proper role of religion in law and politics; the role of religion in international law and the law of human rights; and the search for a legal or constitutional definition of religion. Satisfies the Law School's perspectives requirement.