Chapter 3.2 Flashcards
To what extent does the Supreme Court's interpretation of freedom of religion reflect a commitment to indivisual liberty?
“Wall of Seperation”
Separates church and state.
Establishment Clause
Prevents the government from establishing a national religion.
Free Exercise Clause
Prevents government from stopping religious practice.
What was the question in Engle v. Vitale?
Does allowing a state created, nondenominational prayer voluntarily said at public schools violate the 1st amendment?
Give background for Engle v. Vitale.
New York created a voluntary prayer for students to say after the pledge. Parents sued, saying that the prayer was contrary to their religious belief, and it violated the establishment clause.
What was the ruling for Engle v. Vitale?
Yes, for Engle, 6:1. The prayer violated the 1st amendment because the school board wrote the prayer. (Not all religions believe in God.)
Lemon v. Kurtzman
Rhode Island and Pennsylvania paid teachers of secular subjects in religious schools with state funds. The court ruled that those may incorporate faith, so this wasn’t legal.
The Lemon Test
Policies must…
- Have a secular purpose that doesn’t relate to religion.
- Effect that doesn’t relate to religion.
- Avoid creating a relationship between government and religion.
What was the question in Wisconsin v. Yoder?
Does a compulsory attendance law until 16 years old violate the free exercise clause for parents who’s religious beliefs contradict schooling after a certain age?
Give background for Wisconsin v. Yoder.
3 Amish parents did not send their kids to school past 8th grade and were fined. The case was taken to the Supreme Court.
What was the ruling for Wisconsin v. Yoder?
Yes, for Yoder, 7:0. Making the Amish kids attend school would contradict their beliefs and hinder them in their religion. This is supported by the free exercise clause.
Vouchers
Some private school parents get state money to help with the school’s cost. (Upheld because there was no bias to religious schools.)
Religion in Public Schools
No prayers or moments of silence. No student led prayers.
