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Case Name	Year	Decision of the Court	Topic Group(s)
Agostini v. Felton, 521 U.S. 203	1997	Public employees may deliver remedial educational services on the parochial school campus.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Aguilar v. Felton, 473 U.S. 402	1985	Disallowed practice of providing and monitoring federally funded Title I remedial services at private schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Americans United for Sep. of Church & State v. Blanton, 434 U.S. 803 ( summarily aff'd)	1977	Tennessee program of aid to students in colleges, public and private, including religiously affiliated schools, does not violate Establishment Clause.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Ansonia Bd. of Educ. v. Philbrook, 479 U.S. 6	1986	Employer not required to accept employee's preferred religious accommodation.	Employers and Religious Workers
Arlan's Dep't Store of Louisville v. Kentucky, 371 U.S. 218 (appeal dismissed for want of a substantial federal question)	1962	Exemption from Sunday closing law for sabbatarians does not violate Establishment Clause.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Attorney General v. Federal Street Meeting-house, 66 U.S. (1 Black) 262	1862	In dispute between Presbyterians and Unitarians over title to church meetinghouse in Boston, held that there was no subject matter jurisdiction to permit an appeal from state court.	Church Property
Baker v. Nachtrieb, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 126	1856	Defecting member of Harmony Society cannot recover share of property from the society.	Church Property
Ball v. United States, 140 U.S. 118	1891	Although a judgment entered on Sunday is void, the Sunday return of a verdict in a federal criminal case is not cause for reversal.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Bartels v. Iowa, 262 U.S. 404	1923	Reversing conviction on the basis of Meyer v. Nebraska (1923).	Religious Schools and Colleges
Bassett v. United States, 137 U.S. 496	1890	Conviction for polygamy reversed where wife permitted to testify against husband contrary to testimonial privilege between spouses.	Polygamy
Bd. of Educ. of Methodist Episcopal Church v. Illinois, 203 U.S. 553	1906	State could only constitutionally exempt from inheritance tax only those charitable bequests to charities that were chartered in Illinois.	Tax Exemptions
Bd. of Educ. v. Grumet, 512 U.S. 687 (plurality in part)	1994	Creation of new public school district coterminous with boundaries of a religious sect's village enclave violates Establishment Clause.	Delegation of Sovereign Power to Religious Entity/Group
Bd. of Trs. of Vill. of Scarsdale v. McCreary, 471 U.S. 83 (aff'd by equally divided Court)	1985	Privately sponsored Christmas nativity scene permitted in village park.	Religious Symbols/Creches/Ten Commandments
Beatty v. Kurtz, 27 U.S. (2 Pet.) 566	1829	Although legal title in unincorporated Lutheran church land, now used as cemetery, was deficient, nevertheless equity permitted settlement of title in the church out of religious sensibilities and sentiments for kindred of the deceased.	Church Property
Bell v. Presbyterian Church, 126 F.3d 328 (4th Cir.)	1997	First Amendment barred executive director who was an ordained minister from suing a religious corporation for tortious contractual interference and interference with prospective advantage, outrageous conduct, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination and breach of pledge to make financial contributions.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Bender v. Williamsport Sch. Dist., 475 U.S. 534	1986	School board member, in his individual capacity as a parent, has no standing to appeal a decision concerning his child's religious rights.	Standing
Berea College v. Kentucky, 211 U.S. 45	1908	Criminal prosecution of religious college upheld for violating state segregation laws; state may lawfully limit the power to teach of an incorporated college.	Religious Schools and Colleges
Bishop and Diocese of Colorado v. Mote, 716 P.2d 85 (Colo. 1986)	1986	The judgment of the court of appeals was reversed and remand to that court with directions to return it to the district court for entry of judgment in favor of the plaintiffs consistent with the views expressed in this opinion and for a determination of any further relief that may be appropriate.
Board of Airport Comm'rs v. Jews for Jesus, Inc., 482 U.S. 569	1987	Airport regulation banning all "first amendment activities" within a public or non-public forum is a violation of overbreadth doctrine.	Religious Speech
Board of Educ. v. Allen, 392 U.S. 236	1968	Upheld state law requiring secular textbooks be provided to private and public schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Bob Jones Univ. v. United States, 461 U.S. 574	1983	Upheld IRS revocation of tax exempt status on the basis of racially discriminatory policies.	Race and Religion Tax Exemptions
Bollard v. California Province of the Society of Jesus, 196 F.3d 940 (9th Cir.)	1999	*First Amendment did not bar Jesuit novice from suing Jesuits for sexual harassment, where Jesuits disapproved such conduct.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Bouldin v. Alexander, 82 U.S. (15 Wall.) 131	1872	Courts will not go behind stated reasons for excommunication of trustees and members, but will determine if ouster was act of the church or merely persons purporting to have authority to act for church.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Bowen v. Kendrick, 487 U.S. 589	1988	Upheld, on its face, federal funding for faith-based counseling centers promoting teen chastity.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Standing
Bowen v. Roy, 476 U.S. 693 (plurality in part)	1986	Federal agency's internal use of social security number in administering programs does not violate the Free Exercise Clause, notwithstanding parent's belief that use of the number would impair his child's spirit.	Social Security
Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, 530 U.S. 640	2000	*As a values-inculcating organization, the Boy Scouts have a right of expressive association which is founded upon the Speech Clause and which ensures that the organization may enlist and engage exclusively like-minded individuals in their service even when doing so would otherwise violate a civil rights act.	Expressive Association
Bradfield v. Roberts, 175 U.S. 291	1899	Upholding use of federal funds for construction at religious hospital.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities
Braunfeld v. Brown, 366 U.S. 599 (plurality)	1961	Statute proscribing Sunday retailing did not violate free exercise of Jewish owners.	Free Exercise Exemptions-Miscellaneous Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Brown v. Payton, 544 U.S. 133	2005	In sentencing phase of jury deliberations, it was error to not admit as mitigating evidence defendant’s religious conversion.	Prisoners' Religious Liberty
Brusca v. Bd. of Educ., 405 U.S. 1050 (summarily aff'd)	1972	Provision of free public school education does not constitutionally compel the state to provide an equal benefit to parochial school parents.	Church Autonomy Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Bryce v. Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Colorado, 289 F.3d 648 (10th Cir. 2002)	2002	*First Amendment Doctrine of Church Autonomy bars Title VII and constitutional tort claims brought by youth minister and her partner against church entities and church officers and which arose from reduction in minister's duties and parish dialogues regarding sexual orientation. Judge need not recuse himself because he belongs to same denomination as defendants.	Church Communications Expressive Association Ministerial Exception Religious Tests for Public Office
Bucher v. Cheshire RR. Co., 125 U.S. 555	1888	In action for personal injury, federal courts are bound to follow state law denying claim to railroad passenger harmed while traveling on Sunday, without necessity or for charity, in violation of a state Sabbath law.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Bunn v. North Carolina, 336 U.S. 942 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1949	Upheld law prohibiting handling of poisonous reptiles as applied to a church.	Discrimination Against Religion Snake Handling
Busey v. Dist. of Columbia, 319 U.S. 579	1943	Conviction of Jehovah’s Witness for unlicensed selling of magazines on public sidewalks is vacated and remanded in light of Jones v. Opelika (1943), and Murdock v. Pennsylvania (1943).	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Byrne v. Public Funds for Pub. Schs., 442 U.S. 907 (summarily aff'd)	1979	State income tax deduction for parents of children enrolled in nonpublic schools is unconstitutional.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Deductions/Credits
California v. Grace Brethren Church, 457 U.S. 393	1982	Tax Injunction Act prohibited federal court taking jurisdiction over case involving state tax.	Tax-Others
Cannon v. United States, 116 U.S. 55	1885	Meaning of "cohabit" in criminal statute is "living together as husband and wife," and does not require proof of sexual relations.	Polygamy
Cannon v. United States, 118 U.S. 355	1886	Cannon v. United States, 116 U.S. 55 (1885), was vacated for want of jurisdiction.	Polygamy
Cantwell v. Connecticut, 310 U.S. 296	1940	State may not unduly suppress communication of religious views under guise of conserving public peace, or deciding what is a legitimate "religion" for solicitation purposes; Free Exercise Clause applied to state and local governments through Fourteenth Amendment.	Incorporation by Fourteenth Amendment Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Speech
Capitol Sq. Review & Advisory Bd. v. Pinette, 515 U.S. 753 (plurality in part)	1995	State's refusal to allow display of religious symbol in public forum is speech discrimination not justified by Establishment Clause	Equal Access in Schools Religious Speech Religious Symbols/Creches/Ten Commandments
Catholic Bishop of Nesqually v. Gibbon,158 U.S. 155	1895	Grant of small tract of public land, within administration of federal agency, to a church in possession dating back to British Hudson Bay Co., was held conclusive.	Church Property
Chamberlin v. Bd. of Pub. Instruction, 377 U.S. 40 (per curiam)	1964	Reading of Bible and recitation of Lord's Prayer in public school unconstitutional.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, 315 U.S. 568	1942	Cursing a public officer is not an exercise of religion or protected speech.	Religious Speech
Chatwin v. United States, 326 U.S. 455	1946	Defendant who persuaded minor female to join him in "celestial" marriage is not guilty of kidnapping.	Polygamy
Chicago Theological Seminary v. Illinois, 188 U.S. 662	1903	State’s narrow interpretation of tax statute so as to deny exemption to investment real estate held by seminary is permissible.	Tax Exemptions
Christ Church Hospital v. Philadelphia, 65 U.S. (24 How.) 300	1861	It was within city’s authority to partially revoke exemption following a partial repeal of the property tax exemption statute.	Tax Exemptions
Christian Union v. Yount, 101 U.S. 352	1879	As a matter of statutory construction, out-of-state religious corporations can receive a conveyance of property in Illinois.	Church Property
Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah, 508 U.S. 520	1993	*Municipal ordinance targeting Santerians ritual sacrifice of animals violates Free Exercise Clause.	Discrimination Against Religion Zoning/Land Use Regulation
Church of Scientology v. United States, 506 U.S. 9	1992	Unlawful search claim not moot upon return of tapes to the church.	Discovery Mootness
City of Boerne v. Flores, 521 U.S. 507	1997	Freedom Restoration Act to state and local law exceeds Congress' power under § 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which is limited to remedial or preventive legislation.	Incorporation by Fourteenth Amendment Religious Freedom Restoration Act Zoning/Land Use Regulation
Clapper v. Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, 166 F.3d 1208, (4th Cir.)	1998	*Dismissing age and race discrimination claim of elementary school teacher, because court found that the teacher's primary duties consist of teaching and spreading the faith and supervising and participating in worship.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Clawson v. United States, 114 U.S. 477	1885	Upholding indictment for cohabitation and polygamy notwithstanding exclusion of Mormons from serving on grand jury.	Polygamy Religious Tests for Public Office
Clay v. United States, 403 U.S. 698 (per curiam)	1971	Conviction of Black Muslim for refusing induction is reversed when government conceded pacifism and sincerity.	Military Service
Cleveland v. United States, 329 U.S. 14	1946	The transportation across state lines of plural wives by members of polygamous sect was for an "immoral purpose" within meaning of the Mann Act.	Polygamy
Cochran v. Louisiana State Bd. of Educ., 281 U.S. 370	1930	Upheld state law providing secular textbooks to all students, including religious school students.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Cohnstaedt v. INS, 339 U.S. 901 (rev’d mem.)	1950	Reaffirming Girouard v. United States, 328 U.S. 61 (1946).	Naturalization and Foreign Workers
Coit v. Green, 404 U.S. 997 (summarily aff'd)	1971	Upholding IRS revocation of tax exemption on basis of racially exclusionary policies.	Race and Religion Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities Tax Exemptions
Coleman v. City of Griffin 302 U.S. 636 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1937	Upholding conviction of Jehovah's Witness under ordinance requiring prior written permission for literature distribution issued at discretion of city manager.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Combs v. Cen. Tex. Annual Conf. of the United Methodist Church, 173 F.3d 343 (5th Cir.)	1999	*First Amendment bars ordained female minister's claims of sex and pregnancy discriminations. Minsterial exception survives Employment Div., Dep't of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990) and City of Boerne v. Flores, 521 U.S. 507 (1997).	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Committee for Pub. Educ. & religious Liberty v. Regan 444 U.S. 646	1980	Upheld religious school reimbursement for actual costs of state-mandated tests and reporting.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Committee for Pub. Educ. v. Nyquist, 413 U.S. 756	1973	Disallowed state law authorizing reimbursement to low income families for portion of parochial school tuition; disallowed sliding scale tax deductions for families with students in religious schools; disallowed direct grants to private schools serving low income students for cost of maintenance and repair.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Deductions/Credits
Cooper v. Eugene Sch. Dist. No. 4J, 480 U.S. 942 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1987	White clothing and turban worn by Sikh special education teacher could be banned out of desire to keep public schools religiously neutral.	Employers and Religious Workers Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Cooper v. Pate, 378 U.S. 546	1964	Black Muslim prisoner's claim that he was denied religious publications is entitled to hearing on the merits.	Prisoners' Religious Liberty
Corp. of Presiding Bishop of Church of Latter-Day Saints v. City of Porterville, 338 U.S 805 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1949	Upheld exclusion of churches from area reserved for single family homes.	Zoning/Land Use Regulation
Corporation of Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints v. Amos, 483 U.S. 327	1987	Upheld religious discrimination exemption in Title VII for religious organizations.	Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities
County of Allegheny v. ACLU, 492 U.S. 573 (plurality in part)	1989	Disallowed practice of displaying nativity scene; upheld practice of displaying Menorah as part of a holiday display.	Religious Symbols/Creches/Ten Commandments
Cox v. New Hampshire, 312 U.S. 569	1941	It is constitutional to charge a parade fee limited to the purpose of meeting the expense incident to the administration of licensing and the maintenance of public order	Meeting Permits Religious Speech
Cox v. United States, 332 U.S. 442	1947	Courts have limited scope of review over board's classification of Jehovah's Witness as conscientious objector rather than minister.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Crane v. Johnson, 242 U.S. 339	1917	Conviction of nonreligious "drugless practitioner" of medicine for failure to obtain license was not violative of Equal Protection Clause notwithstanding Christian Science practitioners rendering " treatment by prayer" were not licensed.	Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities
Cruz v. Beto, 405 U.S. 319	1972	Reasonable opportunities must be afforded to prison inmates to exercise religion.	Prisoners' Religious Liberty
Cummings v. Missouri, 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 277	1866	Priest cannot be deprived of right to function as cleric for failure to take expurgatory oath.	Oaths Religious Tests for Public Office
Cutter v. Wilkinson, 544 U.S. 709	2005	Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act requiring states to accommodate religious practices of prison inmates not a preference for religion that violates Establishment Clause.	Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities
Davis v. Beason, 133 U.S. 333	1890	Upheld conviction for falsely taking oath to the effect that one was not member of polygamous organization.	Polygamy
Davis v. United States, 495 U.S. 472	1990	Treasury regulation governing charitable contribution does not allow taxpayers to claim deductions for expenses incurred by son on church mission.	Tax Deductions/Credits
Dewey v. Reynolds Metals Co., 402 U.S. 689 (aff'd by equally divided Court)	1971	Decision below rejects a job accommodation claim of a sabbatarian.	Employers and Religious Workers
Dickinson v. United States, 346 U.S. 389	1953	Classification as minister is not available to all members of a sect notwithstanding doctrine that all are ministers; but part-time secular work does not, without more, disqualify member from satisfying the ministerial exemption.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Diffenderfer v. Central Baptist Church, 404 U.S. 41 (per curiam)	1972	Challenge to property tax exemption for church parking lot used for commercial purposes is moot due to change in statute.	Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities Tax Exemptions
Donner v. New York, 342 U.S. 884 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1951	Teacher certification law upheld as applied to Jewish day school.	Free Exercise Exemptions-Miscellaneous Religious Schools and Colleges
Doremus v. Bd. of Educ., 342 U.S. 429	1952	Taxpayers do not have standing to challenge Bible reading in public school; case is moot because pupil has graduated.	Mootness Standing
Douglas v. City of Jeannette,3 19 U.S. 157	1943	Case was not properly in federal court; same ordinance was dealt with in Murdock.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution Tax on Religion
Durhan v. McLeod, 413 U.S. 902 (app'l dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1973	Upheld state loan program whereby students could attend college of their choice.
Eagles v. United States ex rel. Horowitz, 329 U.S. 317	1946	Draft board was within its discretion in denying a Jewish objector's claim to be exempt divinity student.	Military Service
Eagles v. United States ex rel. Samuels, 329 U.S. 304	1946	Neither use of advisory theological panel to assist draft board nor panel's asking religious questions are reasons to overturn board's discretion in denying a Jewish objector's claim to be an exempt divinity student.	Military Service
Edwards v. Aguillard, 482 U.S. 578	1987	Disallowed state law requiring teaching of creation whenever evolution is taught.	Evolution
EEOC v. Arabian American Oil Co., 499 U.S. 244	1991	Nondiscrimination in employment rules of Title VII do not apply outside United States.	Employers and Religious Workers
EEOC v. Catholic University of America, 83 F.3d 455 (D.C. Cir.)	1996	*First Amendment bars sex discrimination claim against Catholic University after it denied tenure for nun teaching canon law. The ministerial exception survives Employment Div. v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990). Religious Freedom Restoration Act also bars Title VII discrimination claim. Two-year EEOC investigation of matter violates Establishment Clause.	Church Autonomy
EEOC v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, 213 F.3d 795 (4th Cir.)	2000	*First Amendment bars sex discrimination and retaliation claims of lay music minister even though her replacement is not of the same denomination as the defendant church. The ministerial exception survives Employment Div., Dep't of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990). Court also opines that music is a vital means of expressing religious faith.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
EEOC v. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 651 F.2d 277 (5th Cir.)	1981	*First Amendment bars EEOC from enforcing EEO-6 reporting requirement to the extent it related to seminary's faculty and certain administrative personnel.	Church Autonomy Discovery Ministerial Exception Ministerial Exception
Elk Grove Unified Sch. Dist. v. Newdow, 542 U.S. 1	2004	Non-custodial father of minor does not have standing to challenge his daughter’s voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag.	Flag Salute Prayer/Religion in Public Schools Religious Speech
Employment Div. v. Smith, 485 U.S. 660	1988	State court must determine whether religious use of peyote is legal under state law.	Unemployment Compensation
Employment Div. v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872	1990	Upheld denial of compensation where workers were fired after using peyote for sacramental purposes; Sherbert v. Verner, 374 U.S. 398 (1963), compelling interest test rejected.	Native American Religious Liberty Unemployment Compensation
Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421	1962	Disallowed state program of daily classroom prayer.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Epperson v. Arkansas, 393 U.S. 97	1968	Disallowed prohibition on teaching theory of evolution in public schools.	Evolution
Essex v. Wolman, 409 U.S. 808 (summarily aff’d)	1972	State tuition grants to parents enrolling children in nonpublic schools violates Establishment Clause.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Estate of Thornton v. Caldor, Inc., 472 U.S. 703	1985	Disallowed state law guaranteeing private sector employee a right not to work on Sabbath.	Employers and Religious Workers
Estep v. United States, 327 U.S. 114	1946	Draft board's refusal to classify Jehovah's Witness as minister is, after exhausting administrative remedies, subject to judicial review.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Everson v. Bd. of Educ., 330 U.S. 1	1947	Upheld law providing reimbursement to parents for cost of transporting children to religious schools; Establishment Clause applied to state and local governments through Fourteenth Amendment.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Incorporation by Fourteenth Amendment Religious Schools and Colleges
Ex Parte Hans Nielsen, 131 U.S. 176	1889	Mormon who pleaded guilty of cohabitation (living together as husband and wife when married to another) could not also be tried for adultery.	Polygamy
Falbo v. United States, 320 U.S. 549	1944	Draft board's alleged error in classifying Jehovah's Witness as conscientious object rather than minister is no defense to board's order to report for national service; post-reporting review of the classification is sufficient due process.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Religious Liberty Military Service
Farrington v. Tokushige, 273 U.S. 284	1927	Invalidating overbearing regulation of private nonsectarian schools.	Religious Schools and Colleges
First Unitarian Church v. County of Los Angeles, 357 U.S. 545	1958	Striking down loyalty oath requirement to obtain property tax exemption as violative of due process.	Oaths Tax Exemptions
Flast v. Cohen, 392 U.S. 83	1968	Federal taxpayer had standing to sue to prevent federal funds for religious schools.	Standing
Follett v. Town of McCormick, 321 U.S. 573	1944	Disallowed flat license tax on minister distributing religious material.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution Tax on Religion
Fowler v. Rhode Island, 345 U.S. 67	1953	Ordinance prohibiting religious speech in public park but not church services, violates First Amendment.	Discrimination Against Religion Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Speech
Franchise Tax Bd. v. United Americans for Pub. Schs., 419 U.S. 890 (summarily aff'd)	1974	State income tax reduction for parents enrolling children in nonpublic school is unconstitutional.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Deductions/Credits
Frazee v. Illinois Dep't of Empl. Security, 489 U.S. 829	1989	Denial of unemployment benefits to individual, who declined job because it would have required him to work on Sunday, was violative of free exercise.	Unemployment Compensation
Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc. v. McCallum, 324 F.3d 880 (7th Cir.)	2003	Voucher which allows convicted offender who violates parole to choose a religious half-way house for treatment does not violate Establishment Clause.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Vouchers
Friedman v. New York, 341 U.S. 907 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1951	Legislation construed to apply to laborers but not retailers.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Gaines v. Hennen, 65 U.S. (24 How.) 553	1861	In suit to enforce inheritance rights as described in Gaines v. Relf (1852), the record of an ecclesiastical proceeding for bigamy, said to be conducted under Spanish government, was inadmissable; it now appeared that the proceeding was irregular having been conducted by a cleric without canonical power.	Marriage, Illegitimacy or Inheritance
Gaines v. Relf, 53 U.S. (12 How.) 472	1852	In a suit to enforce inheritance rights, it was necessary for claimant to prove that she was offspring of parents who had validly married and hence she was legitimate; to show that mother of claimant was already married to another man at the time of parent’s putative marriage, and hence not able to enter into valid marriage to her father, court admitted into evidence record of an ecclesiastical proceeding for bigamy conducted under the Spanish government, then in possession of Louisiana and the two Floridas, which record helped to show that the mother was indeed validly married to another man at the time of parent’s putative marriage and thus claimant was illegitimate. Cf. 65 U.S. 553.	Marriage, Illegitimacy or Inheritance
Gallagher v. Crown Kosher Super Mkt., 366 U.S. 617	1961	Upheld Sunday closing law as applied to owner of kosher supermarket, Orthodox Jewish customers, and rabbis having duty to inspect markets for compliance with dietary laws.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Gara v. United States, 340 U.S. 857 (aff'd by equally divided Court)	1950	Notwithstanding religious scruples, defendant is subject to military draft.	Military Service
Gellington v. Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc., 203 F.3d 1299 (11th Cir.)	2000	*First Amendment barred ordained minister from suing church defendants for sex discrimination and retaliation. The ministerial exception survived Employment Div., Dep't of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990).	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Gen. Council on Fin. and Admin. of United Methodist Church v. Superior Court, 439 U.S. 1369 (Opinion in Chambers, Rehnquist, J.)	1978	First Amendment does not bar consideration of church polity for the purpose of determining personal jurisdiction over church.	Church Autonomy
Gen. Fin. Corp. v. Archetto, 369 U.S. 423(appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1962	Property tax exemptions for religious organizations are not in violation of Equal Protection or Due Process Clauses, nor of the First Amendment.	Tax Exemptions
Gibbons v. District of Columbia, 116 U.S. 404	1886	Upheld property tax levies on land owned by and adjacent to a church but not used or needed for its convenient enjoyment.	Tax Exemptions
Gibson v. United States, 329 U.S. 338	1946	Jehovah's Witness minister could appeal his classification without first appearing at induction camp.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service Military Service
Gillette v. United States, 401 U.S. 437	1971	Exempting person from military service if opposed to all war, but not those objecting to participation in a particular war, does not violate Constitution.
Gilmer v. Stone, 120 U.S. 586	1887	As a matter of statutory construction, Presbyterian Home and Foreign Mission Boards are not groups "organized for religious worship" under Illinois statute limiting such groups to ten acres of land.	Church Property
Girouard v. United States, 328 U.S. 61	1946	As a matter of statutory construction, denial of citizenship to one who would not take up arms because of religious scruples was error.	Naturalization and Foreign Workers
Goesele v. Bimeler, 55 U.S. (14 How.) 589	1852	Heirs of deceased member of Society of Separatists cannot recover share of property from the society.	Church Property
Goldman v. Weinberger, 475 U.S. 503	1986	First Amendment does not prohibit application of Air Force regulation preventing wearing of yarmulke by officer while on duty and in uniform.	Military Religious Liberty
Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita Beneficente Uniao Do Vegetal, 126 S.Ct. 1211	2006	RFRA construed to afford preliminary protection to religious sect's importation and use of hallucinogen in religious sacrament.	Religious Freedom Restoration Act Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities
Gonzales v. United States, 348 U.S. 407	1955	Jehovah's Witness was denied fair hearing because of failure to supply him with materials in his record.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Gonzalez v. Roman Catholic Archbishop, 280 U.S. 1	1929	Court declined to interfere in refusal by archbishop to appoint petitioner to ecclesiastical office.	Charitable Bequest Church Autonomy Religious Purpose Trust
Good News Club v. Milford Cent. Sch., 533 U.S. 98 (U.S.)	2001	*Refused to let Christian Club meet on public school property violates Constitution.	Equal Access in Schools Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Grand Rapids Sch. Dist. v. Ball, 473 U.S. 373	1985	Disallowed practice of providing remedial and enrichment courses taught by public school personnel in religious schools leased to the public schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Griggs v. Public Funds for Pub. Schs., 417 U.S. 961 (summarily aff'd)	1974	State programs providing cash funding to parents of nonpublic school students for textbooks, supplies, and auxiliary services is unconstitutional.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Grit v. Wolman,413 U.S. 901 (summarily affirmed)	1973	State tax credits for expenses related to children enrolled in nonpublic schools violate Establishment Clause.	Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Deductions/Credits
Grove City Coll. v. Bell,465 U.S. 555	1984	Religious college held subject to employment nondiscrimination rules as condition of students receiving federal financial aid.	Employers and Religious Workers Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Hallett v. Collins, 51 U.S. (10 How.) 174	1850	Spanish colonial law, in force in Mobile, Alabama, then colonial territory in possession of Spain, which law incorporated Catholic canon law, permitted marriage by mere mutual consent; therefore claimant to a will was not illegitimate as marriage of parents was valid; ecclesiastical decree deeming null and void such marriages was not to be given effect because that decree was not adopted by Spain for application in its colonies.	Marriage, Illegitimacy or Inheritance
Hamilton v. Regents of Univ. of California, 293 U.S. 245	1934	Due process clause of Fourteenth Amendment confers no right to attend state university without taking prescribed course in military training.	Military Service
Harris v. McRae, 448 U.S. 297	1980	Upheld congressional restrictions on federally funded abortions.	Abortion Standing
Heffron v. Intn'l Soc. for Krishna Consciousness, Inc., 452 U.S. 640	1981	Prohibiting sale or distribution on fair grounds did not violate First Amendment as applied to members of religious sect.	Religious Literature Distribution
Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation , 551 U.S. __, 127 S.Ct. 2553.	2007	Federal taxpayers lacked standing to pursue claim that discretionary action by Executive Branch violated Establishment Clause; Flast v. Cohen confined to its terms requiring: a challenge to a congressional program or other mandate, along with congressional appropriation funding the program or mandate.	Standing
Heisey v. County of Alameda, 352 U.S. 921 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1956	Property tax exemption for religious school and charity does not violate Establishment Clause.	Tax Exemptions
Heisler v. Bd. of Review,343 U.S. 939 (appeal dismissed for want of substantial federal question)	1952	Denial of compensation to person refusing job entailing work on Sabbath is not violation of Religion Clauses.	Employers and Religious Workers Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Helm v. Zarecor, 222 U.S. 32	1911	In dispute between Presbyterians over control of publishing house, trustees of publisher were not to be realigned to defeat diversity jurisdiction because to do so would pre-judge the merits.	Church Property
Hennington v. Georgia, 163 U.S. 299	1896	State may prohibit Sunday operation of trains without violating "dormant" commerce clause.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Hernandez v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 490 U.S. 680	1989	Section of tax code allowing income tax deduction for charitable contributions, but not for payments resulting in return of a commensurate benefit, does not violate First Amendment.	Tax Deductions/Credits
Hernandez v. Veterans' Administration, 415 U.S. 391	1974	Constitutional challenge by conscientious objectors to denial of veteran educational benefits not barred by statute.	Discrimination Against Religion Military Service Vouchers
Hibbs v. Winn, 542 U.S. 88	2004	Tax Injunction Act does not bar federal jurisdiction over Establishment Clause challenge to state tax credit for contributions to nonprofit organizations supporting nonpublic schools because the remedy sought would actually increase tax revenues.	Federal Jurisdiction and Abstention Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Deductions/Credits Tax-Others
Hobbie v. Unemployment Appeals Comm'n, 480 U.S. 136	1987	Refusal to award unemployment compensation benefits to claimant, who was discharged when she refused to work on her Sabbath, violated free exercise.	Unemployment Compensation
Hunt v. McNair, 413 U.S. 734	1973	Upheld issuance of revenue bonds for religious colleges.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Exempt Financing
Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston, 515 U.S. 557	1995	*First Amendment allows private organization to exclude sexual advocacy group from participating in parade because state cannot compel affirmance of belief with which the private organization disagrees.	Expressive Association
Hutchison v. Thomas, 789 F.2d 392 (6th Cir. 1986) cert. denied, 479 U.S. 885	1986	*First Amendment bars minister's claims for fraudulent concealment and collusive and arbitrary application of doctrinal statements to compel his retirement.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Hygrade Provision Co. v. Sherman, 266 U.S. 497	1925	State law only punished intentional fraud and, therefore, difficulty reaching a correct determination concerning whether product was "kosher" did not render it violative of Due Process Clause as merchants were only required to exercise good faith judgment.	Religious Fraud
In re Snow, 120 U.S. 274	1887	Reversing multiple convictions for cohabitation for different years with same woman because offense was inherently a single continuous event.	Polygamy
In re Summers, 325 U.S. 561	1945	Turning down bar applicant for refusal to take oath supporting state's constitution because unwilling to serve in militia in time of war does not violate religious freedom.	Military Service Oaths
Insurance Co. v. Chase, 72 U.S. (5 Wall.) 509	1867	Trustee had obtained policy on church building on which insurance company refused to pay; held that congregational polity permitted board of trustees to designate one trustee to act on board’s behalf and thus policy was valid.	Church Autonomy
Int'l Soc. for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. v. Lee, 505 U.S. 672	1992	An airport terminal is a non-public forum, therefore a ban on religious handbills and solicitation need only satisfy a reasonableness standard.	Religious Literature Distribution Religious Speech
Jamison v. Texas, 318 U.S. 413	1943	Ordinance prohibiting the dissemination of handbills is unconstitutional.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Jehovah's Witnesses v. King County Hosp., 390 U.S. 59 (summarily aff'd)	1968	Blood transfusions may be administered to children over religious objections.	Jehovah's Witnesses Medical Care
Jensen v. Quaring, 472 U.S. 478 (aff'd by equally divided Court)	1985	Struck down requirement that applicant submit to having photograph taken for affixing on driver's license as unconstitutionally burdening free exercise.	Free Exercise Exemptions-Miscellaneous
Jimmy Swaggart Ministries v. Bd. of Equalization, 493 U.S. 378	1990	Upheld uniform state levy of sales and use taxes on sale of religious material.	Tax Exemptions Tax on Religion
Johnson v. Economic Development Corporation of the County of Oakland, 241 F.3d 501 (6th Cir.)	2001	Establishment Clause does not preclude tax-exampt bond financing for K-12 Catholic school.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Exempt Financing
Johnson v. Robison, 415 U.S. 361	1974	Statute which grants educational benefits to military draftees, but not to draftees who perform civilian alternative service, is constitutional.	Discrimination Against Religion Military Service Vouchers
Jones v. Opelika [Opelika II], 319 U.S. 103	1943	On rehearing Opelika I is vacated; state may not prohibit distribution of religious handbills where handbills seek to raise funds in a lawful fashion.	Religious Literature Distribution
Jones v. Opelika [Opelika I], 316 U.S. 584	1942	Jehovah's Witnesses selling tracts are not exempt from regulation of commercial activities.	Religious Literature Distribution
Jones v. Wolf, 443 U.S. 595	1979	A state may, at its option, adopt neutral principles of law as a means of adjudicating church property disputes.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson, 343 U.S. 495	1952	State law permitting censorship of films that are "sacrilegious" is unconstitutional.	Censorship
Kain v. Gibboney, 101 U.S. 362	1879	A bequest to voluntary association of Catholic nuns was ineffective because an unincorporated society in Virginia is incapable of taking under a will.	Charitable Bequest
Karcher v. May, 484 U.S. 72	1987	Legislative officers cannot appeal decision on "moment of silence" law after having left office.	Standing
Kaufmann v. Sheehan, 707 F.2d 355 (8th Cir.)	1983	*First Amendment bars priest from amending complaint to state claim for violation of archdiocesan due process and canon law. Court rejects arbitrariness exception to the Doctrine of Church Autonomy.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Kedroff v. St. Nicholas Cathedral, 344 U.S. 94	1952	State undertaking to transfer control of church from central governing hierarchy to local governing authorities is unconstitutional.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Kreshik v. St. Nicholas Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church of North America, 363 U.S. 190 (per curiam)	1960	First Amendment prevents judiciary, as well as legislature, from interfering in ecclesiastical governance.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Kunz v. New York, 340 U.S. 290	1951	Ordinances which require that permits be obtained from local officials for use of public places are unconstitutional in absence of narrowly drawn, reasonable, and definite standards.	Meeting Permits
Lamb’s Chapel v. Ctr. Moriches Union Free Sch. Dist., 508 U.S. 384	1993	Struck down as viewpoint discrimination a public school policy that denied use of facilities to a church.	Equal Access in Schools
Largent v. Texas, 318 U.S. 418	1943	A city ordinance requiring permit to solicit orders for books is unconstitutional as applied to distribution of religious publications.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Larkin v. Grendel's Den, Inc., 459 U.S. 116	1982	Disallowed practice of allowing churches to veto nearby liquor licenses.	Church Autonomy Delegation of Sovereign Power to Religious Entity/Group
Larson v. Valente, 456 U.S. 228	1982	Disallowed state law requiring only certain religious organizations to make reports.	Charitable Solicitation Discrimination Against Religion
Late Corp. of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints v. United States, 136 U.S. 1	1890	Upheld revocation of Mormon Church charter and confiscation of church property.	Church Property Polygamy
Late Corp. of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints v. United States,140 U.S. 665	1891	Decree entered on opinion reported at 136 U.S. 1 (1890)	Church Property Polygamy
Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577	1992	Disallowed practice of clergy offering prayers during public school graduation ceremonies.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602	1971	Disallowed law appropriating salary supplements for private school teachers; disallowed law authorizing purchase of services from private schools by reimbursing them for teacher salaries, textbooks, and instructional material.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 411 U.S. 192	1973	Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971), should not be applied retroactively.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Levitt v. Committee for Pub. Educ., 413 U.S. 472	1973	Disallowed state law authorizing reimbursement for state-required records and tests.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Lewis v. Seventh-day Adventists Lake Conf., 978 F.2d 940 (6th Cir.)	1992	*First Amendment bars minister and his wife from alleging breach of contract, promissory estoppel, outrageous conduct, and loss of consortium claims against religious organization.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Little v. Wuerl, 929 F.2d 944 (3d Cir.)	1991	*First Amendment bars consideration of Title VII claim brought against Catholic school where non-Catholic elementary teacher sued for religious discrimination when school failed to renew her contract because of her remarriage in a Protestant ceremony.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Locke v. Davey, 540 U.S. 712	2004	Student who earned state scholarship to attend any accredited institution of higher education in state, may be denied the right to use the funding to seek a degree in theology; Free Exercise Clause not violated.	Discrimination Against Religion Government Benefit to Religious Entities
Lovell v. City of Griffin, 303 U.S. 444	1938	Ordinance prohibiting distribution of literature of any kind is unconstitutional because it abridges freedom of the press.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Lowrey v. Hawaii, 206 U.S. 206	1907	Claim involving an 1849 agreement whereby a foreign mission board transferred a school to the Hawaiian government on condition that Christian training be continuously offered at the school. In the event of nonfulfillment of that condition, the agreement provided for reversion of title to the grantor or payment of $15,000, at the government's option. Hawaii later converted the school into an agricultural college and the teaching of religion ceased. Notwithstanding that Hawaii's Organic Act of 1894 prohibited governmental aid to a sectarian or denominational school, the Court ordered Hawaii to exercise its option.	Church Property
Lowrey v. Hawaii, 215 U.S. 554	1910	Government's proposal to teach a form of general evangelical Christianity does not meet condition of agreement to teach a definite Congregational and Presbyterian doctrine. Hawaii ordered to pay $15,000 pursuant to decision and judgment in Lowrey v. Hawaii, 206 U.S. 206 (1907).	Church Property
Luetkemeyer v. Kaufmann, 419 U.S. 888 (summarily aff'd)	1974	Providing bus transportation for just public school students did not violate free exercise right of religious school students.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668	1984	Upheld government practice of displaying nativity scene as part of a holiday display.	Religious Symbols/Creches/Ten Commandments
Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protective Ass'n, 485 U.S. 439	1988	Constitution does not forbid construction of road through portion of national forest traditionally used for religious purposes by members of three Indian tribes.	Native American Religious Liberty
Marsh v. Alabama, 326 U.S. 501	1946	The more an owner opens property for public use, the more do his rights become circumscribed by First Amendment rights of those who use it.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783	1983	Upheld state practice of hiring chaplain and offering prayers in the legislature.	Legislative Prayer
Martin v. City of Struthers, 319 U.S. 141	1943	Ordinance forbidding door-to-door distribution of handbills, circulars or other advertising matter is unconstitutional.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Maryland & Virginia Eldership of Churches of God v. Church of God at Sharpsburg, 396 U.S. 367 (per curiam)	1970	Civil courts may resolve church property disputes as long as it does not involve inquiry into church doctrine.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
McClure v. Salvation Army, 460 F.2d 553 (5th Cir.) cert. denied 409 U.S. 896	1972	*Fountainhead of Ministerial Exception cases. First Amendment bars ordained minister's claims for unequal pay and Title VII retaliatory discharge. Court states, "The relationship between an organized church and its ministers is its lifeblood."	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
McCollum v. Bd. of Educ., 333 U.S. 203	1948	Invalidating program allowing clerics to hold religion classes in public schools during school hours.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools Released Time
McCreary County v. ACLU, 125 S.Ct. 2722	2005	Ten Commandments posted in two Kentucky county courthouses violated Establishment Clause because displays were mounted with the primary purpose of advancing religion.	Religious Symbols/Creches/Ten Commandments
McDaniel v. Paty, 435 U.S. 618 (plurality)	1978	Disqualification of clergy from public office violates First Amendment.	Religious Tests for Public Office
McGowan v. Maryland, 366 U.S. 420	1961	Upheld state law proscribing Sunday commercial activity notwithstanding economic harm.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
McKnight v. Bd. of Pub. Educ., 341 U.S. 913 (appeal dismissed for want of a substantial federal question)	1951	Public school may deny equal access to facilities sought by religious organizations.	Discrimination Against Religion
Meek v. Pittenger, 421 U.S. 349 (plurality in part)	1975	Upheld statute authorizing textbooks for private schools; disallowed loans to private schools of materials such as maps, photos, films, projectors, recorders and lab equipment; disallowed counseling, remedial and accelerated teaching, psychological and speech & hearing therapy to private school children.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390	1923	Statute forbidding teaching of foreign languages held unconstitutional.	Parental Rights Religious Schools and Colleges
Miles v. United States, 103 U.S. 304	1880	In prosecution for bigamy, calling second wife to testify against husband violates spousal testimonial privilege; voire dire may inquire into belief that polygamy is religiously required.	Polygamy
Minersville Sch. Dist. v. Gobitis, 310 U.S. 586	1940	A requirement that pupils salute the flag in daily school exercises is not violative of due process	Flag Salute Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Speech
Minker v. Baltimore Annual Conf. of United Methodist Church, 894 F.2d 1354 (D.C. Cir.)	1990	*First Amendment bars Methodist minister's claims for breach of contract and age discrimination.	Church Autonomy Church Communications Ministerial Exception
Missionary Soc’y of M.E. Church v. Dalles City,107 U.S. 336	1883	Oregon Territory’s grant of land to religious society in possession was proper.	Church Property
Mitchell v. Helms, 530 U.S. 1296	2000	*Federal act providing library books and educational equipment to K-12 schools is constitutional.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Montana Catholic Missions v. Missoula County, 200 U.S. 118	1906	Case dismissed for lack of federal question jurisdiction notwithstanding claim that local tax on sale of cattle by Jesuit mission, with proceeds going to support of tribal Indians, was tax on property in support of federal obligations and thus constitutionally immune.	Tax-Others
Mueller v. Allen, 463 U.S. 388	1983	Upheld tax deduction by religious school parents of education-related expenses.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Deductions/Credits
Mulloy v. United States, 398 U.S. 410	1970	Lapsed Roman Catholic who returned to the faith and applied for conscientious objector status could not be denied opportunity for reclassification, thus also affording opportunity for administrative appeal.	Military Service
Murdock v. Pennsylvania, 319 U.S. 105	1943	The mere fact that religious literature is sold by itinerant preachers rather than donated does not transform evangelism into a commercial enterprise; tax is unconstitutional.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution Tax on Religion
Murphy v. Ramsey, 114 U.S. 15	1885	Upheld federal law disenfranchising polygamists.	Polygamy
Musser v. Utah, 333 U.S. 95	1948	Conviction for polygamy vacated and case remanded for consideration of state law questions.	Polygamy Religious Speech
Natal v. Christian and Missionary Alliance, 878 F.2d 1575 (1st Cir.)	1989	*First Amendment bars ordained minister claims for breach of contract, defamation, and emotional distress.	Church Autonomy Church Communications Ministerial Exception
National Labor Relations Board v. Catholic Bishop, 440 U.S. 490	1979	Refused to recognize National Labor Relations Board jurisdiction over lay teachers at religious schools.	Ministerial Exception National Labor Relations Act
New York v. Cathedral Academy, 434 U.S. 125	1977	Disallowed parochial school reimbursement for state-mandated record keeping and testing expenses.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Newdow v. U.S. Congress, 328 F.3d 466 (9th Cir.)	2002	*Both the 1954 Act of Congress adding Under God to the Pledge of Allegiance and a public school's practice of teacher-led recitation of the Pledge violate the Establishment Clause.	Flag Salute Prayer/Religion in Public Schools Religious Speech
Niemotko v. Maryland, 340 U.S. 268	1951	Lack of standards in issuing license renders practice open to discrimination contrary to free speech and religion.	Jehovah's Witnesses Meeting Permits
Norwood v. Harrison, 413 U.S. 455	1973	Disallowed secular textbook loans to racially discriminatory schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Race and Religion Religious Schools and Colleges
O'Lone v. Estate of Shabazz, 482 U.S. 342	1987	Heightened scrutiny of prison regulations allegedly impinging on inmates constitutional rights is not appropriate whenever regulations effectively prohibit, rather than simply limit, particular exercise of rights.	Prisoners' Religious Liberty
Oestereich v. Selective Service System, 393 U.S. 233	1968	Individual classified as divinity student could not lose exemption by sending board his draft card as protest.	Military Service
Ohio Civil Rights Comm'n v. Dayton Christian Schs., 477 U.S. 619	1986	Federal courts should abstain from adjudicating issues also pending in state proceedings as long as plaintiff has opportunity to litigate his constitutional claim in state proceedings.	Federal Jurisdiction and Abstention
Order of St. Benedict v. Steinhauser, 234 U.S. 640	1914	Vow of poverty and communal ownership of property not contrary to public policy, thus enforcable by civil courts.	Religious Communities
Pacific Union Conf. of Seventh-day Adventists v. Marshall, 434 U.S. 1305 (Rehnquist, J., Opinion as Circuit Justice)	1977	First Amendment no bar to Dept. of Labor's demand for payroll records to determine applicability of FLSA to nonecclesiastical employees.	Discovery Fair Labor Standards Act
Parker Seal Co. v. Cummings, 429 U.S. 65 (per curiam)	1976	Affirming, by equally divided Court, the holding below that employer did not make sufficient effort to accommodate religious employee as required by Title VII.	Employers and Religious Workers Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Parker Seal Co. v. Cummings,433 U.S. 903	1977	Vacating Parker Seal Co. v. Cummings, 429 U.S. 65 (1976), for consideration in light of TWA v. Hardison, 432 U.S. 63 (1977).	Employers and Religious Workers Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
People v. Phillips (N.Y. Ct. of Gen’l Sessions 1813) (reprinted in 1 Western L. J. 109 (1843) and 1 Cath. Law. 199 (1955)	1813	*First Amendment Free Exercise Clause prevents grand jury subpoena from forcing Catholic priest to divulge confessional confidence.	Church Autonomy Church Communications
Permoli v. Municipality No. 1, 44 U.S. (3 How.) 589	1845	Bill of Rights does not protect against impairment of religious liberty by states.	Federalism Incorporation by Fourteenth Amendment
Petit v. Minnesota, 177 U.S. 164	1900	"Works of necessity" permitted on Sunday need not include barber shops.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore R.R. Co. v. Philadelphia and Havre de Grace Steam Towboat Co., 64 U.S. (23 How.) 209	1859	Railroad which left debris in water is not excused from liability for damage to boat which sailed on Sunday; boats are works of necessity not bound by Sabbath laws.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Pierce v. Society of Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary, 268 U.S. 510	1925	Invalidating state law requiring attendance at public schools.	Parental Rights Religious Schools and Colleges
Ponce v. Roman Catholic Apostolic Church, 210 U.S. 296	1908	Land in Puerto Rico given to Roman Catholic Church by Spain remains the property of the church after Puerto Rico is annexed by United States; church had juridical personality notwithstanding lack of incorporation.	Church Property
Poulos v. New Hampshire, 345 U.S. 395	1953	Ordinance leaving to officials no discretion in granting permits for religious meetings in public park is constitutional.	Jehovah's Witnesses Meeting Permits
Presbyterian Church in the United States v. Mary Elizabeth Blue Hull Memorial Presbyterian Church, 393 U.S. 440	1969	First Amendment prohibits civil court from awarding church property on basis of interpretation of church doctrine.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158	1944	Statute forbidding boys under 12 and girls under 18 to sell magazines on streets or in public places is not unconstitutional as abridging freedom of religion.	Jehovah's Witnesses Parental Rights Religious Literature Distribution
Quick Bear v. Leupp, 210 U.S. 50	1908	Upheld disbursement of Indian tribal funds, held in trust by the federal government, to a Catholic mission operating religious schools.	Charitable Bequest Religious Purpose Trust
Rayburn v. Gen. Conf. of Seventh-day Adventists, 772 F.2d 1164 (4th Cir.) cert. denied 478 U.S. 1020 (1986)	1986	*First Amendment bars sexual and racial discrimination claims brought by applicant for pastoral care position.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Rector of Holy Trinity Church v. United States,143 U.S. 457	1892	Refusing to apply to churches a federal statute forbidding employment contracts with aliens to work in United States.	Ministerial Exception Naturalization and Foreign Workers
Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145	1878	Upheld federal law prohibiting polygamy.	Free Exercise Exemptions-Miscellaneous Polygamy
Richardson v. Goodard, 64 U.S. (23 How.) 28	1859	Cargo lost when unattended because of official day of prayer and fasting did not excuse liability; observance of day was not legally compulsory.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Roemer v. Board of Pub. Works, 426 U.S. 736 (plurality)	1976	Upheld state non-categorical grant program for religious colleges.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Rosenberger v. Rector & Visitors, 515 U.S. 819	1995	University's denial of funds to pay for printing of student publication with religious perspective constitutes viewpoint-based discrimination contrary to free speech rights.	Equal Access in Schools Government Benefit to Religious Entities
Rusk v. Espinosa, 456 U.S. 951 (summarily aff'd)	1982	Striking down ordinance that required officials to distinguish between "spiritual" and temporal religious purposes.	Charitable Solicitation Church Autonomy Discrimination Against Religion
Saia v. New York, 334 U.S. 558	1948	In absence of any standards, ordinance prohibiting use of sound amplification invalid as infringing free speech.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Speech
Sante Fe Ind. Sch. Dist. v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290	2000	*District Court's alternative prayer policy in which school district was to hold two student elections, first, to determine whether to have invocations at athletic contests, and, second, to select the spokesperson violates the First Amendment.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Santos v. Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church, 212 U.S. 463	1909	Catholic Church is entitled to recover chapel in Philipppines notwithstanding that land was first acquired by the church as a gift for Spain; the Phillippines was acquired by U.S. in treaty following war with Spain.	Church Property
Sch. Dist. of Abington Township v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203	1963	Disallowed practice of daily classroom prayer and devotional Bible recitation.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Scharon v. St. Luke's Episcopal Presbyterian Hosp., 929 F.2d 360 (8th Cir.)	1991	*First Amendment bars chaplain-ordained minister's claims against Episcopal-affiliated hospital for age and sex discrimination.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Schneider v. State of New Jersey, Town of Irvington, 308 U.S. 147	1939	Ordinance making it unlawful to distribute handbills on sidewalks, streets or any other public place is unconstitutional.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
School Dist. v. Pennsylvania Dept. of Educ., 443 U.S. 90 (appeals dismissed for want of a substantial federal question)	1979	Upheld state law requiring school districts to provide bus transportation for all children, including children enrolled in religious schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Schwartz v. Duss, 187 U.S. 8	1902	Harmony Society was not shown to have been dissolved, therefore its property was not subject to distribution.	Church Property
Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese for the United States of America and Canada v. Milivojevich, 426 U.S. 696	1976	Civil courts may not probe into church polity or the removal of clerics.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Shaare Tefila Congregation v. Cobb, 481 U.S. 615	1987	Jewish person may rely on race-based discrimination clause of civil rights statute for claim against desecrators of synagogue.	Private Religious Discrimination
Sharpe v. Bonham, 224 U.S. 241	1912	In dispute between Presbyterians over control of publishing house, trustees of publisher were not to be realigned to defeat diversity jurisdiction because to do so would pre-judge the merits.	Church Property
Shepard v. Barkley, 247 U.S. 1 (aff'd mem.)	1918	Presbyterian Church merger controlled by decision in Watson v. Jones, 80 U.S. (13 Wall.) 679 (1871).	Church Autonomy Church Property
Sherbert v. Verner, 374 U.S. 398	1963	Refusal to take a job due to religious beliefs does not disqualify claimant for unemployment compensation.	Unemployment Compensation
Sicurella v. United States, 348 U.S. 385	1955	Willingness to fight in "theocratic" wars does not disqualify a Jehovah's Witness who would otherwise be eligible for exemption as a conscientious objector.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Simmons v. United States, 348 U.S. 397	1955	Jehovah's Witness was denied fair hearing because of failure to supply him with materials in his record.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Simpson v. Wells Lamont Corp., 494 F.2d 490 (5th Cir.)	1974	*First Amendment bars pastor and his wife from adjudicating claims for violation of 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1986 and for unlawful eviction from parsonage.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Sloan v. Lemon, 413 U.S. 825	1973	Disallowed reimbursement to parents for portion of religious school tuition.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Smith v. Swormstedt, 57 U.S. (16 How.) 288	1853	When a church voluntarily divides, a suit in equity may lie to effect a division of jointly held property.	Church Property
Snow v. United States, 118 U.S. 346	1886	Appeal from multiple convictions for cohabitation for different years with same woman was dismissed for want of jurisdiction.	Polygamy
Soc’y for Propagation of the Gospel v. Town of New Haven, 21 U.S. (8 Wheat.) 464	1823	English corporation, controlled by British subjects, did not lose its real estate in Vermont; title was secured by treaty of peace.	Church Property
Soon Hing v. Crowley, 113 U.S. 703	1885	Upheld law as one protecting persons from undue physical labor, not to promote religion.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Speer v. Colbert, 200 U.S. 130	1906	Georgetown College is not a sectarian institution within the meaning of Maryland constitutional provision voiding bequests to religious groups within 30 days of death.	Charitable Bequest
Speidel v. Henrici, 120 U.S. 377	1887	Due to laches, defecting member of Harmony Society cannot recover share of property from the Society.	Church Property
St. Martin Evangelical Lutheran Church v. South Dakota, 451 U.S. 772	1981	The word "church" in the Federal Unemployment Tax Act exempting services performed in the employ of a church applies to schools that have no separate corporate existence from a church.	Religious Schools and Colleges Unemployment Compensation
Steele v. Indus. Dev. Bd. Metro. Gov't Nashville, 301 F.3d 401 (6th Cir.)	2002	*Establishment Clause does not preclude tax-exempt bond financing for pervasively sectarian Church of Christ University.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Tax Exempt Financing
Stone v. Graham, 449 U.S. 39 (per curiam)	1980	Disallowed state law requiring posting of Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Stone v. United States, 167 U.S. 178	1897	A general verdict in a federal civil case is not void because it was returned on Sunday.	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
Taylor v. Mississippi, 319 U.S. 583	1943	Overturning convictions of Jehovah's Witnesses arrested for advocating a refusal to salute flag.	Flag Salute Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Speech
Terrett v. Taylor, 13 U.S. (9 Cranch) 43	1815	Virginia may not expropriate property of the formerly established Episcopal Church or abolish its incorporation.	Church Property
Texas Monthly, Inc. v. Bullock, 489 U.S. 1 (plurality)	1989	Disallowed state sales tax exemption for certain religious publications.	Tax Exemptions
The Selective Serv. Draft Law Cases [Arver v. United States], 245 U.S. 366	1918	Exemption of clergy, theology students, and pacifist sects from combat service is constitutional.	Free Exercise Exemptions-Miscellaneous
Thomas v. Review Bd., 450 U.S. 707	1981	Denial of unemployment benefits because religious beliefs forbade production of armaments violated First Amendment.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service Unemployment Compensation
Tilton v. Richardson, 403 U.S. 672 )(plurality in part)	1971	Upheld construction grants for secular buildings at religious colleges and universities.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Tony & Susan Alamo Foundation v. Secretary of Labor, 471 U.S. 290	1985	Application of the FLSA to religious foundation and its employees did not violate the Free Exercise or Establishment Clauses.	Fair Labor Standards Act
Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 U.S. 488	1961	Declaration of belief in existence of God as requirement for public office unconstitutional.	Oaths Religious Tests for Public Office
Town of Pawlet v. Clark, 13 U.S. (9 Cranch) 292	1815	Royal grant of land to Church of England was not completed; following the Revolution the State of Vermont, as successor to English Crown, could claim the land and convey it to town for schools; Episcopal Church in the town had no right or title.	Church Property
Trammel v. United States,445 U.S. 40	1980	Dicta recognizing clergy testimonial privilege as a matter of common law.	Church Communications
Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hardison, 432 U.S. 63	1977	Absent a clear and express indication from Congress, airline not required to permit clerk to work a four-day week in order to avoid working on his Sabbath.	Employers and Religious Workers
Treen v. Karen B., 455 U.S. 913 (summarily aff'd)	1982	Statute authorizing student volunteers to lead classroom prayer in public schools violates Establishment Clause.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Troxel v. Granville 530 U.S. 57	2000	*State legislation granting grandparents' rights of visitation over the objection of parents violates fundamental and constitutional right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.	Parental Rights
Trs. of Dartmouth Coll. v. Woodward, 17 U.S. (Wheat.) 518	1819	Colonial charter issued to church trustees for the founding of a college could not be forcibly voided in state's attempt to take control of the school.	Religious Schools and Colleges
Trs. of Philadelphia Baptist Ass’n v. Hart’s Ex’rs, 17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 1	1819	A bequest in trust to voluntary association of Baptist clergy and laymen was ineffective because an unincorporated society was incapable in Virginia law of taking under a will.	Charitable Bequest
Tucker v. Texas, 326 U.S. 517	1946	Statute making it an offense to distribute literature in government-owned town invalid.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Two Guys from Harrison-Allentown, Inc. v. McGinley, 366 U.S. 582	1961	Followed McGowan v. Maryland, 366 U.S. 420 (1961).	Sunday Law and Other Religious Feasts
United Jewish Organizations of Willamsburgh, Inc. v. Carey, 430 U.S. 144	1977	Reapportionment plan adopted to comply with Voting Rights Act to aid election of African Americans thereby dividing community Hasidic Jews and diluting voting strength, did not violate Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendment rights.	Religious Communities
United States Catholic Conference v. Abortion Rights Mobilization, Inc., 487 U.S. 72	1988	The Catholic Conference, a nonparty witness, could challenge district court's lack of subject matter jurisdiction where conference was being held in contempt for refusal to comply with discovery subpoena.	Discovery Standing
United States v. American Friends Serv. Comm., 419 U.S. 7 (per curiam)	1974	Conscientious objection to payment of war taxes does not override provision in anti-injunction act barring withholding taxes.	Pacifism/Selective Service Tax-Others
United States v. Ballard, 322 U.S. 78	1944	Truth of religious beliefs may not be subjected to scrutiny by a jury, but sincerity may.	Church Autonomy Church Communications Religious Fraud
United States v. Bland, 283 U.S. 636	1931	Refusal to bear arms in defense of the United States is a valid reason to bar naturalization.	Naturalization and Foreign Workers
United States v. Christian Echoes Nat'l Ministry, Inc., 404 U.S. 561 (per curiam)	1972	IRS could not appeal directly to Supreme Court where ruling below was not that §501(c)(3) was unconstitutional, but that IRS had applied it in violation of First Amendment rights of religious organization.	Tax Exemptions
United States v. Dion, 476 U.S. 734	1986	Native American could be convicted under Endangered Species Act for selling parts of Bald Eagle notwithstanding that earlier treaty reserved right to hunt and that taking of bird feathers was for religious purposes.	Native American Religious Liberty
United States v. Lee, 455 U.S. 252	1982	Denied religious exemption from Social Security taxes for Amish employer.	Social Security
United States v. Macintosh, 283 U.S. 605	1931	Alien unwilling to take oath of allegiance, except with qualifications, is not entitled to citizenship.	Naturalization and Foreign Workers Oaths
United States v. Nugent, 346 U.S. 1	1953	Conscientious objector has not shown induction statute to be unconstitutional.	Military Service
United States v. Schwimmer, 279 U.S. 644	1929	A religious pacifist may be denied U.S. citizenship.	Naturalization and Foreign Workers
United States v. Seeger, 380 U.S. 163	1965	Conscientious objectors are exempted from combat training and service in armed forces if their belief is sincere and meaningful and occupies a place in their life parallel to that filled by an orthodox belief in God.	Military Service
United States v. Sisson, 399 U.S. 267 (plurality)	1970	Non-religious objections to draft, religious exemptions, and legality of Vietnam War claims were dismissed because case had been improperly appealed.	Military Service
Valley Forge Christian College v. Americans United, 454 U.S. 464	1982	Plaintiffs lacked standing as taxpayers to complain of federal government's transfer of property to religious organization.	Standing
Van Orden v. Perry, 125 S.Ct. 2854	2005	Ten Commandments monument, one of several displays and memorials on the grounds of Texas' Capitol complex, in its larger context primarily conveys moral and historical message, and hence did not violate Establishment Clause.	Religious Symbols/Creches/Ten Commandments
Vidal v. Mayor of Philadelphia, 43 U.S. (2 How.) 127	1844	Testamentary bequest to endow school for orphans is valid notwithstanding provisions derogatory of Christianity.	Charitable Bequest
Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 U.S. 38	1985	Disallowed state law requiring moment of silence for prayer or meditation in public schools.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Walz v. Tax Comm'n, 397 U.S. 664	1970	Upheld property tax exemption for churches.	Statutory Exemptions for Religious Persons/Entities Tax Exemptions
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. v. Village of Stratton, 536 U.S. 150	2002	*Town's requirement that door-to-door leafleters register with town as applied to the Jehovah's Witnesses' proselytizing violates First Amendment.	Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Literature Distribution
Watson v. Jones, 80 U.S. (13 Wall.) 679	1871	Courts may not interfere in matters of church doctrine, discipline, or polity.	Church Autonomy Intra-Church Disputes
Welsh v. United States, 398 U.S. 333 (plurality)	1970	Beliefs held with strength of traditional religious convictions are entitled to conscientious objector status.	Military Service
West Virginia State Bd. of Educ. v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624	1943	School requirement to salute flag and recite pledge is invalid as applied to Jehovah's Witnesses because it denies freedom of speech and of belief.	Flag Salute Jehovah's Witnesses Religious Speech
Westside Bd. of Educ. v. Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (plurality in part)	1990	Upheld Equal Access Act.	Equal Access in Schools Prayer/Religion in Public Schools
Wheeler v. Barrera, 417 U.S. 402, opinion modified, 422 U.S. 1004 (1975)	1974	Religious school students are entitled by federal statute to services comparable to those offered in public schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Widmar v. Vincent, 454 U.S. 263	1981	Disallowed restrictions on religious groups meeting in state university buildings.	Equal Access in Schools
Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205	1972	State law requiring all children to attend school until the age of 16, regardless of religious belief, disallowed.	Compulsory Education Parental Rights
Witmer v. United States, 348 U.S. 375	1955	Draft board's rejection of Jehovah's Witness' claim of conscientious objector status upheld as lacking sincerity.	Jehovah's Witnesses Military Service
Witters v. Washington Dep't of Servs. for the Blind, 474 U.S. 481	1986	Under vocational rehab program, upheld aid to blind person attending sectarian school of higher education to enter religious vocation.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Vouchers
Wolman v. Walter, 433 U.S. 229 (plurality in part)	1977	Upheld use of public school personnel to provide guidance, remedial and therapeutic speech and hearing services on a neutral site; upheld provision of diagnostic services on neutral site; upheld reimbursing cost of standardized testing and scoring of private school students; disallowed loan of instructional materials to private schools or to parents; disallowed transportation for field trips by private schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges
Wooley v. Maynard, 430 U.S. 705	1977	State cannot require display of state motto on vehicle license plates that violates owner's religious convictions.	Forced Speech Jehovah's Witnesses
Worcester v. Georgia, 31 U.S. (6 Pet.) 515	1832	An Indian agent and missionary, present in Cherokee territory pursuant to federal authority and treaties, could not be prosecuted under Georgia law for living among the Cherokees and offering them education.	Preemption
Yaggie v. Indiana-Kentucky Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church, 64 F.3d 664 (6th)	1995	*First Amendment bars pastor's defamation claim against church for defamation.	Church Autonomy Church Communications Ministerial Exception
Young v. Godbe, 82 U.S. (15 Wall.) 562	1873	Investor sued Brigham Young, as trustee of church, alleging failed company was part of Mormon church; decision by territorial court reversed for improperly considering hearsay.	Church Liability
Young v. Northern Ill. Conf. of United Methodist Church, 21 F.3d 184 (7th Cir.)	1994	*First Amendment bars minister's claims against church for sex and race discrimination due to failure to promote.	Church Autonomy Ministerial Exception
Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 536 U.S. 639 (2002)	2002	*Cleveland's voucher program for tuition and tutorin of elementary and high school students does not violate Establishment Clause even if majority of student families redeem vouchers at religious schools.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Vouchers
Zobrest v. Catalina Foothills Sch. Dist., 509 U.S. 1	1993	*Government provided interpreter does not violate Establishment Clause.	Government Benefit to Religious Entities Religious Schools and Colleges Vouchers
Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306	1952	Upheld program allowing students to attend religion classes off public school grounds.	Prayer/Religion in Public Schools Released Time

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