Constitutions and Religious Freedom

Many of us take for granted the idea that the right to religious freedom should be protected in a free, democratic polity. This book challenges whether the protection and privilege of religious belief and identity should be prioritized over any other right. By studying the effects of constitutional promises of religious freedom and establishment clauses, Frank B. Cross sets the stage for a set of empirical questions that examine the consequences of such protections. Although the case for broader protection is often made as a theoretical matter, constitutions generally protect freedom of religion. Allowing people full choice in religious beliefs or freedom of conscience is central to their autonomy. Freedom of religion is thus potentially a very valuable aspect of society, at least so long as it respects the freedom of individuals to be irreligious. This book tests these associations and finds that constitutions provide national religious protection, especially when the legal system is more sophisticated.

Reviews & endorsements

'Emerging comparative law scholarship evidences an increased appetite for data and empirical methods to complement traditional comparative methodologies. In this spirit, Cross offers a thorough, thoughtful, and novel analysis of a critical question: when it comes to religious freedoms worldwide, do constitutions matter? Cross's comparative approach and empirical lens carve new and promising intellectual terrain and make clear how different constitutional provisions generate different effects on religious freedoms. This book is important not only for what it says but also how it says it. A must-read for comparative, legal, and religious scholars.' Michael Heise, Cornell Law School

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Product details

• Date Published: February 2015
• format: Hardback
• isbn: 9781107041448
• length: 270 pages

• dimensions: 235 x 160 x 20 mm
• weight: 0.53kg
• contains: 30 b/w illus.
• availability: Available