This paper will review the major Freedom of Religion cases decided since Chief Justice Roberts took office and demonstrate how those decisions impact American life. From prayers at town meetings to corporate religious rights, the Roberts Court has issued far-reaching decisions that define the limits of the protected exercise of religion and prohibited establishment of religion. The Hobby Lobby and Zubik cases will be analyzed and predictions made regarding the outcome of Stormans and Trinity Lutheran. Stormans will determine the right of a religiously motivated pharmacist to refuse to distribute abortifacients while Trinity Lutheran will decide whether a state may exclude religious schools from school safety benefits. These cases and others, such as G.G., the transgender bathroom case, involving the conflict between the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and anti-discrimination statutes also will be addressed.
About the presenterEllen K Boegel
Ellen K. Boegel is an attorney and Associate Professor at St. John’s University. She writes about the Supreme Court in her “First Monday” column for America magazine. Prof. Boegel earned her B.A. in philosophy at LeMoyne College, Syracuse, NY, and her J.D. at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.