RELIGION & LAW FALL 2011: SYLLABUS (UNITS I & II)

V = Pages in Volokh, Religion Clauses & Related Statutes

F = Pages in Posted Fajer Course Materials

IM = Pages in Posted Information Memos

UNIT I. INTRODUCTION

A. Introductory Material

1. Tentative Course Overview (IM1)

2. Information about the Course (IM2-5)

3. Information about the Instructor (IM5-7)

4. Discussion Questions 1.01-1.03 (F1)

5. Summary of Doctrine (V1-3)

B. The Free Exercise Clause & Related Statutes: Overview

1. Overview of Doctrine (V339-43)

2. Original Meaning: City of Boerne v. Flores (1997) (V402-14)

3. RFRA (V398-99)

4. RLUIPA (V400-02)

C. The Establishment Clause: Overview

1. Overview of Doctrine (V3-6)

2. Materials on Original Meaning (V309-29)

D. No Religious Decisions

1. Doctrine

a. Summary (V230-31)

b. U.S. v. Ballard (1944) (V232-36)

c. Presbyterian Church v. Mary Elizabeth Blue Hull Memorial Presbyterian Church (1969) (V236-40)

d. Thomas v. Review Board (V240-41)

e. Discussion Questions 1.04-1.09 (F1-2)


2. Problem 1A: Kosher Enforcement

a. Problem (V231-32)

b. Discussion Question 1.10 (F2)

3. Problem 1B: Negligent Hiring

a. Problem (V232)

b. Discussion Question 1.11 (F2)

UNIT II. The Non-Discrimination Principle

A. No Discrimination Against Religious Practices

1. Doctrine

a. Summary (V7-10)

b. McDaniel v. Paty (US 1978) (V11-16)

c. Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah (U.S. 1993) (V16-25)

d. Locke v. Davey (U.S. 2004) (V26-33)

e. Discussion Questions 2.01-2.05 (F2-F3)

2. Case Study: City of Hialeah & Evidence of Intentional Discrimination

a. Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah (U.S. 1993) (V16-25) (Review)

b. Discussion Questions 2.06-2.10 (F3)

3. Problem 2A: Religious Garb Statutes

a. Problem (V10)

b. Discussion Questions 2.11-2.12 (F3)

4. Problem 2B: Mortmain Statutes

a. Problem (V10)

b. Discussion Questions 2.13-2.14 (F3)

5. Problem 2C: Tax Exemptions for Secular Donations Only

a. Problem (V25-26)

b. Discussion Questions 2.15-2.16 (F4)


B. No Discrimination Among Religions

1. Doctrine

a. Summary (V33-34)

b. Larson v. Valente (U.S. 1982) (V34-40)

c. Discussion Questions 2.17-2.20 (F4)

2. Problem 2D: Peyote Exception

a. Problem (V34)

b. Discussion Questions 2.21-2.22 (F4)

C. No Discrimination Against the Irreligious

1. Doctrine

a. Summary (V41-42)

b. Zorach v. Clausen (U.S. 1952) (V44-49)

c. Torcaso v. Watkins (U.S. 1961) (V49-50)

d. Welsh v. U.S. (U.S. 1970) (V50-54)

e. Discussion Questions 2.23-2.28 (F4-5)

f. Estate of Thornton v. Calder (U.S. 1985) (V55-56)

g. Corporation of the Presiding Bishop v. Amos (U.S. 1989) (V57-62)

h. Cutter v. Wilkinson (U.S. 2005) (V79-83)

i. Discussion Questions (TBA)

j. Texas Monthly v. Bullock (U.S. 1989) (V62-68)

k. Kiryas Joel Village Sch. Dist. v. Grumet (U.S. 1994) (V68-78)

l. Discussion Questions (TBA)

m.. Note: Policy: Equal Treatment V84-89

2. Problem 2E: Clergy-Congregant Privilege

a. Problem (V42-43)

b. Discussion Questions (TBA)

2. Problem 2F: Exemption from Housing Discrimination Law

a. Problem (V43)

b. Discussion Questions (TBA)


COMING ATTRACTIONS

UNIT III. Addressing Indirect Establishment/Implicit Discrimination

A. No “Endorsement” (EST)

B. No “Primary Religious Purpose” (EST)

C. No “Coercion” (EST)

UNIT IV. The Debate About Excluding Religion

A. Delegation to Religious Institutions (EST)

B. Government Funding & Religious Institutions (EST)

UNIT V. The Debate About Accommodating Religion

A. Compelled Exemptions (FEX)

B. Substantial Burdens (FEX & Statutes)

Syllabus Page 3