In a case that garnered less national attention than other cases that made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court, a small congregation in a suburb of Flagstaff, Arizona received a “win” when the Supreme Court ruling ended in their favor in June of 2015. The decision, though local in origin, may have farther reaching Read More

With the recent tragedy in Oregon, Americans are reminded yet again of the dangerous power of religious conviction. News reports of the incident informed us that the shooter allegedly linked his killings to whether the victims were Christian. This and other incidents around the world lead many to believe that violence and religion are different Read More

Ever since the Supreme Court’s decision came down in favor of gay marriage (which can now be included fully in the more traditional word ‘marriage’), the news has been full of stories of individuals practicing their religion in very public ways.  While attaching justification phrases similar to “protecting religion,” “exercising a right,” or “defending against Read More

The difference between a religious accommodation in the workplace, and the principles of religious freedom as protected by the U.S. Constitution are often lost on many individuals who confuse the two ideas.  It is important to be able to distinguish between these two principles before entering into any dialogue in the workplace. Religious Accommodations in Read More

Recently, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a three-judge panel decision after reviewing the case en banc.  The case overturned a ban on a very controversial film that had been released on YouTube.  Without going into specifics of the film, other than to say that those who have viewed it have stated that it Read More

What could have been used to open a dialogue over the unique balance of free speech and freedom of religion proffered by the United States Constitution turned violent this past February, when five men opened fire on security guards at a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest being held in Garland, Texas.  Depicting Muhammad is often seen Read More

In light of recent tragedies across the nation that involve potential terrorist activity, it is mindful to remember that such actions occur regardless of whether a country’s government is capitalist, monarchic or dictatorial.  Jealousy and misguided anger are sometimes unfortunate side effects of the freedoms that our country provides its inhabitants.  What is lamentable, however, Read More

There is arguably no constitutional amendment that causes more division among people because of its own provisions than that caused by the First Amendment.  As much as one group of individuals looks to the text of the amendment to protect one set of rights, another group seeks the same protection from a different portion of Read More

Every time a group such as the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is in the news for some new, outrageous “protest” that their members engage in, many people wonder just how this organization is allowed under the law to do what it does.  This often leads to discussions on other groups, whose messages and beliefs run Read More

The Constitution of the United States is one of the most unique governing documents in modern political history.  It is over 200 years old yet it is still looked to by world leaders and citizens alike to provide guidance on what is considered lawful behavior.  While there is arguably little in the way of step Read More