Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

Religious Liberty Paper
Religions have always been both a target for hate and a catalyst for change. This paper gives you the opportunity to explore this situation and present evidence of how this is so.  Choose a landmark court cases from the list below and read it in its entirety. This will be the primary evidence for your paper. Research the case for its  historical significance and its influence on American debates over the protection/definition of religious liberties.  This is an essay so make sure you begin your paper with an introduction that offers the reader an explanation of the topic of the paper (Religious Liberty) and why it is important. 

Description
The paper should be a minimum of 3 pages in length, double spaced.
It should be in essay format which includes an introduction that contextualizes your paper within the themes of this course, supporting paragraphs that present summary, analysis, opinion, and evidence and a conclusion that brings it together, offers an opinion and provides a solution to the problem, or a prediction of its future impact.
You will need to use outside sources to complete this paper, be sure to include in text citations and a works cited page (MLA or APA is fine).(Does not count toward length).
Some of the cases have multiple rights involved. There may be civil rights, religious rights, criminal activity, freedom of speech, parental right issues etc. It is ok, and probably very beneficial, to comment on this but make sure you are approaching the topic from the perspective of religious freedoms and rights.

Questions to address:
Why is religious liberty important to America?
Summarize the case: it's context, the question argued, the parties involved, and the court's decision.
Was there a dissenting opinion? 
Do you agree with the Court’s decision? Or do you sympathize with the dissenting view? Explain your answer.
What is the impact of this decision?  How does it reflect or impact the way Americans (especially minorities if applicable) understanding of the place of religion in the public sphere?
Is the issue presented in the paper still present in contemporary society? (has it been resolved?)
What risks/consequences might it have in the future? 
Court Cases related to First Amendment (RELIGIOUS) Issues:

Reynolds v. United States (1871): Polygamy
Arver v. United States (1918): Conscientious objectors
Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940): Proselyting
Virginia State BOE v. Barnette (1943): Saluting the Flag
Fowler v. Rhode Island (1953): Preaching in public
Torcaso v. Watkins (1961): Religious Test
Engel v. Vitale (1962) : Prayer in Public Schools
Sherbert v. Verner (1963): Limits on religious free exercise
Epperson v. Arkansas (1968) Evolution in the public schools
Lemon v. Kurtzner (1971): State funding for private schools
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1975): Compulsory education and the Amish
Lynch v. Donnelly (1984): Display of a Nativity Scene
Goldman v. Weinberger (1985): Headgear and the Military
West Side Community Schools v. Mergens (1990): Bible study classes
Lee v Weisman (1992) Prayer in Schools
Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah (1993): Animal Sacrifice
Independent School District v Doe (2000): Prayer
Good News Club v Milford Central School (2001): Religious clubs
Kitzmiller v. Dover (2004) evolution in schools
Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal(2006): Use of Ayahuasca in religious ceremony
Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation(2007): Constitutionality of faith-based initiatives
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014): Contraception as part of health care
EEO v. Abercrombie and Fitch (2015): Religious Garb
Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer (2016): Funding for aid programs.
Masterpiece Cakeshop v Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2017) Gay rights
American Legion v. AHA (2019): Public Monuments


Helpful sites: 
http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/religiouslibertycases.aspx

www.scotusblog.com 

http://www.newseuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/topics/freedom-of-religion/

Justia Law

www.caselaw.findlaw.com (Links to an external site.)
Religious Liberties
Religious Liberties
Criteria    Ratings    Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization/ Mechanics
15.0 to >12.0 pts
Full Marks:
19-20 points Follows all instructions and meets guidelines and is nearly perfect or perfect. The paper has clearly been a process not quickly thrown together and shows signs of careful editing. The paper is clearly organized as an essay. All elements are present and supported. A strong introduction that contextualizes the topic, a thesis statement that is easily recognizable, strong supporting evidence and a conclusion. Spelling and grammar is not an issue. Organization is logical, easy to follow, Transitions are smooth, flow is good, paragraphs are self contained, page length is reached.
12.0 to >10.0 pts
Good
15-18 points Many of the guidelines are met but with less perfection. The paper is essay format but missing one or more important elements (intro or conclusion, thesis, page length) OR the formatting is difficult to follow Grammar is mostly good but with some issues with sentence structure, spelling or flow. Organization is logical but not seamless, maybe there are rough transitions, an abrupt ending or displacement.
10.0 to >6.0 pts
Fair
10-15 points Spelling or grammatical errors are frequent and they distract the reader. Sentences are run on or abbreviated or out of context and random. There is no logical flow or connection among ideas. Not a clear essay format. Long quotes or too many bullet points. Page length is not reached.
6.0 to >0 pts
Poor
0-10 points Not an essay, no logical organization. Is not college level.
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
25.0 to >21.15 pts
Excellent
56- 65 points Content supports the thesis statement and the objectives of the paper. Instructions are clearly followed and the paper is complete. Content is original, no plagiarism and sources are cited with clarity. Information is accurate and relevant, content connects and is logical. Opinion is supported by evidence. Shows clear critical thinking skills such as the ability to summarize, analyze, compare, connect, argue and synthesize.
21.15 to >17.31 pts
Good
45-55 points Content mostly supports the thesis and the objective of the paper and most all parts of the assignment are addressed. Content is original, no plagiarism and sources are cited with clarity. Opinion is supported by evidence. Information is accurate, or mostly so, and relevant, Shows some good critical thinking skills such as summation, comparison, and argument.
17.31 to >11.54 pts
Fair
31-54 points Content somewhat supports the objectives of the paper. Content is primarily based on quotes and not much original work. Some lack of source citation but less than 50%. Some inaccurate and irrelevant information. Opinion is not supported. Critical thinking skills are weak or limited to summary and comparison.
11.54 to >0 pts
Poor
0-30 points A poor effort, no originality and the objectives of the paper is not met. 0 points if 50% of the paper is plagiarized with no source citation.
25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExpression
10.0 to >6.67 pts
Full Marks
Words are fresh, vivid, accurate, precise, and concise. Style is professional. No slang, text-speak, or colloquialisms. Writer is aware of how subject matter affects them. Tone is appropriate and respectful, Grabs and maintains readers attention. College level writing.
6.67 to >0 pts
Partial Marks
Some but not all criteria is met. Writer strays from an academic tone or paper is evangelical and/or testimonial in nature. If there is inappropriate language or disrespectful tone marks will be 0.
10.0 pts
Total Points: 50.0