The Debate Over Civil Liberties in the United States Often

question 19

Essay

The debate over civil liberties in the United States often becomes very passionate and heated. The issue of prayer in public school classrooms has raised many such emotions. Discuss the constitutionality issues regarding prayer in school, a "moment of silence" in school, and prayer at school events or athletic competitions. How has the Supreme Court ruled on these issues in the past and what is the most recent stance of the Court in this debate?

---

Definitions:

Free Exercise Clause

A provision in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the government from interfering with individuals' right to practice their religion freely.

Establishment Clause

An element of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensuring the government cannot create an official religion or show undue preference for one religion over another.

Public Figure

An individual with public prominence or significant public recognition, subject to less privacy protection and more freedom of press scrutiny under law.

Libel

A written defamation or false statement that damages someone's reputation, as opposed to slander, which is spoken defamation.