Law and Religion

Law and Religion

In our pluralistic world, a variety of oft-conflicting perspectives informs our understanding of moral and political ideas of justice. Additionally, legal cases increasingly span across borders and involve participants with no shared tradition, creating tensions that reflect fundamental moral conflicts. These resources explore how religion grounds, shapes, and conflicts with our legal systems.

Our Experts

Michael Kessler

Managing Director
Department of Government and Law Center

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Blog Posts

May 13, 2021

Islam, Secularism, and the Culture Wars in France

What social or political factors are driving ongoing policy and public debate on the role of Islam in French public life? How does laïcité relate to religious and cultural pluralism in France, as well as international human rights law?

December 2, 2020

When Caesar Wants to Tame God: France and the Struggle to Control Religious Organizations

Rim-Sarah Alouane explores how new legislation on laïcité in France changes the spirit of French secularism, arguing the proposed regulation of religious non-profit organizations gives too much authority to public officials and undermines the principle of free declaration.

A tipi stands in front of the White House

October 21, 2020

Indigenous Peoples, Sacred Rights, and Religious Freedom

How might Native experiences contribute to broader debates about the theory and practice of religious freedom in the United States? What might religious freedom policies look like if they were to be reimagined from Native viewpoints?

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Events

Earth from outer space, with lights indicating global cities.

Nov
12

2020

Nuclear Weapons And International Law 2020

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST Online

Oct
21

2020

Publications

Policy Brief May 13, 2021

Religious Soft Power in Russian Foreign Policy: Constitutional Change and the Russian Orthodox Church

In this policy brief, Robert C. Blitt explores how the Kremlin continues to deepen its reliance on the Russian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate as a lever of soft power in Russian foreign policy.