Religion and American Law GARLAND REFERENCE LIBRARY OF THE HUMANITIES (VOL. 1548)

“We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.” So wrote Justice William O.Douglas in Zorach v. Clausen in 1952. He was, of course, right. We announce our trust in God on our money. We proclaim our allegience to our flag and our Republic, in the same sentence that we declare our nation is “under God.” Our Supreme Court begins each term with a plea that “God save the United States and this honorable Court.” Almost every president has invoked God in his inaugural address as well as in moments of national crisis or celebration....