Glossary
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled school-sponsored prayer in public schools is unconstitutional, violating the Establishment Clause. The ruling emphasized the separation of church and state.
Example:
The decision in Engel v. Vitale meant that public schools could not lead students in prayer, even if it was voluntary and non-denominational.
Establishment Clause
A clause in the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing a religion or favoring one religion over others. It is the basis for the separation of church and state.
Example:
A public school cannot mandate a specific prayer during school hours because it would violate the Establishment Clause.
First Amendment
A foundational amendment to the U.S. Constitution that protects five essential freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. It serves as a crucial safeguard against government overreach into individual liberties.
Example:
The First Amendment allows a student to wear a shirt protesting a school policy, as long as it doesn't disrupt the educational environment.
Free Exercise Clause
A clause in the First Amendment that protects an individual's right to believe and practice their religion freely. It prevents the government from interfering with religious practices, though practices can be regulated if they violate secular laws.
Example:
A student is allowed to wear a religious head covering at school due to the protection offered by the Free Exercise Clause.
Freedom of Religion
A two-part protection under the First Amendment that ensures individuals can practice their faith (or no faith) without government interference and prevents the government from establishing or favoring a religion.
Example:
A person can choose to celebrate any religious holiday they wish, or none at all, thanks to Freedom of Religion.
Freedom of Speech
The right to express one's opinions and ideas without fear of government censorship or retaliation. This freedom is vital for public discourse and a functioning democracy.
Example:
During a town hall meeting, a citizen uses their Freedom of Speech to voice concerns about a proposed local ordinance.
Freedom of the Press
The right of newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets to report news and express opinions without government interference. It acts as a watchdog, holding the government accountable.
Example:
An investigative journalist publishes an exposé on government corruption, relying on Freedom of the Press to protect their right to report.
Lemon Test
A three-pronged test established by the Supreme Court in *Lemon v. Kurtzman* to determine if a law or government action violates the Establishment Clause. It requires a secular purpose, a neutral effect, and no excessive entanglement between government and religion.
Example:
To determine if a state funding program for religious schools is constitutional, a court would apply the Lemon Test.
New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
A Supreme Court case that protected the freedom of the press by ruling the government could not prevent the New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers. This case established a high bar for prior restraint.
Example:
The decision in New York Times Co. v. United States prevented the government from censoring information, reinforcing the press's role as a public watchdog.
Reynolds v. United States (1878)
A Supreme Court case that upheld the federal law against polygamy, ruling that while religious beliefs are protected, religious practices can be regulated if they violate societal laws. This case established limits on the Free Exercise Clause.
Example:
Despite religious beliefs, the decision in Reynolds v. United States clarified that the government could prohibit the practice of polygamy.
Right to Peaceably Assemble
The right of people to gather together in groups for expressive purposes, such as protests, demonstrations, or meetings. This right is fundamental for collective action and social movements.
Example:
Students organize a march to advocate for climate action, exercising their Right to Peaceably Assemble.
Right to Petition the Government
The right of individuals to formally request government action or express grievances without fear of punishment. This allows citizens to directly communicate with and influence their government.
Example:
A community group collects signatures for a petition to lower property taxes, utilizing their Right to Petition the Government.
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
A landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed students' First Amendment rights in public schools, stating that students do not 'shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate' unless it causes a substantial disruption.
Example:
Students wearing black armbands to protest a war, as in Tinker v. Des Moines, demonstrated that symbolic speech is protected in schools.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
A Supreme Court case that ruled Amish parents could remove their children from public school after eighth grade due to their religious beliefs. This case affirmed the Free Exercise Clause.
Example:
The ruling in Wisconsin v. Yoder affirmed that the state's interest in compulsory education was outweighed by the Amish families' right to religious freedom.