There have been a number of US Supreme Court rulings since 2017 that are of interest to churches. Church Law & Tax has followed these cases closely, developing the following articles:
Supreme Court: Maine’s Tuition Assistance Rule Violated the First Amendment
The state barred funds for parents to use at religious schools, offending the Free Exercise Clause, majority holds.
Supreme Court: First Amendment Protected High School Coach’s Postgame Prayers
The decision also struck down the controversial Lemon test for Establishment Clause cases.
Supreme Court: Clergy Should Be Allowed in Execution Chambers
Decision offers greater protections for chaplains and those providing prison ministry.
Supreme Court’s Fulton Decision Reinforces Religious Freedom Protections
Court says Philadelphia’s policy failed constitutional muster for church- and faith-based activities.
Supreme Court Again Rules that Safety and Health Regulations Override Religious Freedom
Dissenting opinion in this pandemic-related ruling expressed First Amendment concerns.
Supreme Court Reaffirms and Expands Ministerial Exception
What the ruling means for churches and religious organizations.
Supreme Court Endorses Some Aid to Parents of Religious School Students
Decision opens the door for religious schools to benefit from funds available to other kinds of schools.
Supreme Court Rules that Title VII’s Ban on “Sex” Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation
The significance to churches and religious schools and colleges.
What the Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Opinion Means for Church Gatherings
A deeply divided Court rejected one California church’s request to restore in-person services sooner than the state governor ordered.
Tracking Faith-Based Legal Challenges to Pandemic Orders
How federal courts nationwide are addressing religious liberty arguments by churches.
Attorney General: Exercise of Religion Should Not Be Significantly Burdened
Statement addresses singling out religious organizations through social distancing measures.
Supreme Court: Commemorative Cross on Public Land Did Not Offend the Constitution
Bladensburg Cross may remain, both for its religious and secular purposes, majority says.
Atheist Organization Opts Not to Appeal Housing Allowance Ruling
Group says its arguments hold merit, but success at Supreme Court unlikely.
Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling and Religious Freedom
This case and two others reflect the complexities of issues related to public accommodation.
Public Benefit Programs Available to Churches
Excluding church from playground funding solely based on its religion violates First Amendment, Court says.
