William C. Duncan
-
How Chief Justice Marshall secured Supreme Court’s place in U.S. constitutional order
Nominated in 1801, John Marshall served for 34 years as chief justice of the United States and is widely recognized as the formative figure in the Supreme Court’s early history. Among other things, he succeeded in securing respect for the…
-
Religiosity improves psychological resilience, study says
A recent report from a diverse group of scholars says that “religious norms” in poorer countries lessen the psychological burden of poverty – pointing to religiosity as a significant source of resilience.
-
Protection of religious freedom results in a range of secular benefits
“Rather than banishing religious organizations from the public square or overlooking their potential influence, elected officials should create space for faith-based groups to thrive and contribute.”
-
Texas abortion case: a civics lesson on the federal court system
As the U.S. has grown through its history and adapted to new circumstances, so, too, has the judicial branch. Its history suggests that it will continue to do so into the future.
-
Supreme Court decisions establish precedent for future cases
Even though the Supreme Court does not resolve a large proportion of the cases that are presented to it, the decisions it does issue reverberate to affect many other disputes through the principle of precedent. Its decisions on a handful…
-
Why the judiciary is so distinct: It was designed to react, not initiate action
The judiciary branch is designed as a responsive, not proactive, branch of government. The court can’t tell Congress not to pass an unconstitutional law or tell the president not to issue a legally invalid order. It must wait until after…
-
Latest Supreme Court religious freedom case: Boston flagpole dispute
Last week, the court announced it would hear another case involving a claim of unequal treatment.
-
Athletic uniforms and religious freedom: Illinois takes a positive step
Recently, Illinois became the first state to enact legislation that would protect the ability of people of faith to participate in school athletics (both in high school and college) without having to abandon their commitment to live consistent with standards…
-
Some historical context for Supreme Court abortion case
The specific question the court will consider is whether states are permitted by the U.S. Constitution to allow abortions prior to viability. In the background, however, is a much more significant question: whether the nearly 50-year-old decision by the court…
-
A religious freedom preview of the upcoming SCOTUS term
These important cases, and possibly others that will arise in coming months, will provide opportunities for the court to continue to shape the response of states to claims by their citizens that their religious beliefs are being infringed.