Скачать или смотреть Reynolds v. United States: Does the Free Exercise Clause Excuse Criminal Conduct?

This video examines the landmark 1878 case, Reynolds v. United States, in which the Supreme Court first interpreted the Free Exercise Clause. Through the story of George Reynolds, a devout Mormon charged with bigamy, the Court established that while religious belief is protected absolutely, religious conduct can be regulated. Learn how Chief Justice Waite's opinion introduced Jefferson's "wall of separation" metaphor and why the Court rejected religious belief as a defense to criminal charges, setting a precedent that still influences religious freedom cases today.

Mark L. Movsesian is the Frederick A. Whitney Professor and Director of the Mattone Center for Law and Religion at St. John’s University School of Law.

The Mattone Center for Law and Religion at St. John’s Law provides a forum for studying law and religion from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives.