Research: the history of the issue in terms of court cases
Wikipedia* 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:
How has it been interpreted over the years?
Have there been reverses in later decisions?
What is the currently accepted interpretation?
Where do we stand today on this issue?
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
What are the relevant questions involved?
What were the positions on either side?
Is the issue now favoring a more conservative or more liberal interpretation?
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.
Do you think public opinion has had an effect on the decisions? Do you think this is good? Why or why not?
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?
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.
Requirements:
5-6 pages
APA, MLA
Answer preview to research: the history of the issue in terms of court cases
APA
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