The Supreme Court's decisions concerning the first amendment are hotly debated; and the controversy shows no signs of abating as additional cases come before the court. Adding much-needed historical and philosophical background to the discussion; Richard J. Regan reconsiders some of the most important Supreme Court cases regarding the establishment clause and the free exercise of religion.Governmental aid to church-affiliated elementary schools and colleges; state-sponsored prayer and Bible reading; curriculum that includes creationism; tax exemption of church property; publicly sponsored Christmas displays- these and other notable cases are discussed in Regan's chapters on the religious establishment clause. On the topic of the free-exercise clause; Regan considers such subjects as the value of religious freedom; as well as the place of religious beliefs in public schooling and government affairs. Important cases concerning conscientious objection to war; regulation of religious organizations and personnel; and western traditions of conscience are also examined.This book; written for students of law; political science; and religion; presents the relevant case law in chronological order. The addition of the historical context and Regan's philosophical discussion enhances our understanding of these influential cases.
#390081 in Books The University Press of Kentucky 2010-09-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .88 x 6.00l; .96 #File Name: 0813129877296 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Lori Rae DeVotiI bought this for my son's college course. It came very quickly and was exactly what I expected.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy C. BenefieldComprehensive and fair account of a complex history.11 of 12 people found the following review helpful. A capable studyBy HistorianThis has been a long-neglected part of NC history; so it is good to see a serious study of this seperatist movement. Research looks good; and the last chapter about how Franklin was used to justify other seperatist movements (incl 1861) is very good. Unfort.; the author tried to make the story overly dramatic by hinting throughout the text that the end of the movement would be a big; bloody battle. It wasn't. Some details are off too: there were no minie balls in 1786; Gen. Rutherford's first name was Griffith; not Henry; etc. These don't detract from what I woul dcall a "capable" study; but other parts of the book are overly confusing.
