Supreme Court: Religious Law Allows Clergy to be in Execution Chambers Law protecting prisoners' religious rights allows clergy to be present in execution chambers, Court says. Richard R. Hammar
Display of Religious Symbols on Public Property Key point 13-04. The display of religious symbols on public property does not violate the
Prayer During Public School Activities Key point 13-03. The First Amendment prohibits the recitation of prayers by school officials and
The City of Boerne Case Key point 12-02.03. In the City of Boerne case (1997), the Supreme Court ruled that
Defenses to Liability Key point 10-18.03. There are several legal defenses available to a denominational agency that is
Charitable Immunity Key point 10-16.05. The legal liability of churches and their officers, directors, and volunteers, is
Statutes of Limitations Key point 10-16.04. The statute of limitations specifies the deadline for filing a civil lawsuit.
Court Decisions Recognizing Negligent Supervision Claims Key point 10-10.01. Some courts have found churches liable on the basis of negligent supervision
Risk Management Key point 10-09.03. Churches can reduce the risk of liability based on negligent supervision for
Court Decisions Rejecting Negligent Supervision Claims Key point 10-09.02. Some courts have found churches not liable on the basis of negligent
Court Decisions Rejecting Negligent Retention Claims Key point 10-07.02. Many courts have ruled that the First Amendment prevents churches from being
Court Decisions Rejecting Negligent Selection Claims Key point 10-05.02. Some courts have found churches not liable on the basis of negligent
The Relevance of Sexual Orientation in Selecting Youth or Children’s Workers Key point 10-04.04. The courts have generally ruled, in recent years, that homosexuals are no
Defamation Key point 10-15. The First Amendment limits, but does not eliminate, a church’s liability for
Negligent Supervision of Church Workers—Other Cases Key point 10-11. A church may be legally responsible on the basis of negligent supervision
Enterprises Key Point 8-08.01. The Fair Labor Standards Act mandates that employers pay the minimum wage,
Cases Recognizing the Ministerial Exception Key Point 8-10.01. The civil courts have consistently ruled that the First Amendment prevents them
Reference Letters Key Point 8-24. A reference letter is a letter that evaluates the qualifications and suitability
Assaults on Church Property Key point 7-20.04. A church may be legally responsible for assaults occurring on its premises
Hierarchical Churches—Neutral Principle of Law Key point 7-03.03. Most courts apply the “neutral principles of law” rule in resolving disputes