Religious Law

Justices have a lot to say, but all is quiet in the Supreme Court

In a normal June, the U.S. Supreme Court issues the last of the term’s opinions, many of which are in its most contentious and divided cases. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once referred to people coming to the courtroom to “watch the show.” But the show has not gone on during the time of quarantine.

Jun 25, 2020 9:22 AM CDT

7th Circuit upholds former cap on religious congregants in Illinois

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Chicago refused Tuesday to block a 10-person cap on religious congregants in a free exercise lawsuit filed by two Illinois churches.

Jun 17, 2020 10:45 AM CDT

SCOTUS stays execution of inmate seeking chaplain in death chamber

The U.S. Supreme Court stayed the execution Tuesday of a Catholic inmate in Texas who is seeking a chaplain in the death chamber.

Jun 17, 2020 9:36 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: ‘Highly irregular conduct’ by DOJ alleged; satanist loses abortion case

DOJ engaged in ‘highly irregular conduct,’ says amicus appointee in Michael Flynn case The U.S. Department of Justice “engaged in highly irregular conduct to benefit a political ally of the president” when it sought to drop the case against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, according to an amicus lawyer…

Jun 10, 2020 4:01 PM CDT

A right to gather?: Balancing health risks and religious liberties during the COVID-19 crisis

Government officials’ actions limiting public gatherings to stem the spread of the deadly pandemic caused by the contagious COVID-19 has led to a spate of lawsuits filed by churches, religious liberty groups and others in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia—many over restrictions on religious liberty that began around Easter.

Jun 10, 2020 9:43 AM CDT

Supreme Court refuses to block California restrictions on religious services

A divided U.S. Supreme Court refused Friday night to block restrictions on religious services in California.

Jun 1, 2020 9:55 AM CDT

7th Circuit denies emergency request to block Illinois ban on in-person church services

The Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday denied an emergency request by two churches to block Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order on in-person church services.

May 18, 2020 1:26 PM CDT

6th Circuit rules Kentucky church can host in-person services; federal judge allows it statewide

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Cincinnati ruled Saturday that the Maryville Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, may host in-person church services while an appeal of its case is pending.

May 11, 2020 11:14 AM CDT

Kentucky can’t ban drive-in church services if health precautions are followed, 6th Circuit says

The Maryville Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, may host drive-in services despite orders by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear that ban mass gatherings and require the closure of all businesses that are not “life-sustaining,” a federal appeals court ruled Saturday.

May 4, 2020 10:44 AM CDT

Chemerinsky: It’s going to be an unusual May in the Supreme Court

For the first time in recent memory, the Supreme Court will be holding oral arguments in May, and for the first time ever, they will be by telephone. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, oral arguments were canceled in the Supreme Court in March and April.

Apr 29, 2020 8:00 AM CDT

AG Barr says Justice Department may support lawsuits if states go too far in COVID-19 constraints

U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday the Department of Justice will consider supporting lawsuits when states go too far in restricting commerce and civil liberties in the fight against COVID-19.

Apr 22, 2020 12:02 PM CDT

Kansas Supreme Court upholds order limiting church services to 10 people or less

On Saturday, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s order limiting church services to 10 people or less.

Apr 13, 2020 10:05 AM CDT

Closure orders spark lawsuits from NRA, anti-abortion protesters and others

Across the nation, business owners, the National Rifle Association, would-be churchgoers and anti-abortion protesters are among the plaintiffs suing over state shutdown orders.

Apr 6, 2020 2:12 PM CDT

Megachurch pastor is arrested for hosting Sunday services despite order limiting gatherings

A megachurch pastor in Florida has been arrested for defying Hillsborough County’s limit on gatherings of 10 or more people.

Mar 31, 2020 10:32 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Student loan deferment in stimulus bill; BigLaw lawyer removed from ventilator

Federal stimulus package extends student loan payment deferments for 6 months Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, borrowers can now suspend federal student loan payments until Sept. 30 with 0% interest. The federal stimulus package news follows a March 20 announcement from the U.S. Department of Education…

Mar 30, 2020 4:29 PM CDT