In the Courts
DOVER 'INTELLIGENT DESIGN' CASE: Please visit AU's special Evolution vs. Creationism section for information on the Dover 'Intelligent Design' case.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ."
Religious liberty and separation of church and state are the cornerstones of the American way of life. The Framers of the Constitution designed the First Amendment's religion clauses to embrace two key concepts: the government will not endorse or oppose any particular religious viewpoint (or religion generally), and will not interfere with the right of citizens to practice their faith. As Thomas Jefferson put it, the American people created a "wall of separation between church and state."
Americans United’s Legal Department seeks to strengthen and maintain that wall of separation on several different fronts. We file and support lawsuits throughout the United States, in both federal and state courts. We have an active amicus curiae practice that seeks to shape our nation's church state law. We also engage in an active campaign to resolve constitutional violations without resorting to litigation whenever possible, by advising public officials and school administrators about legal requirements and providing non-litigation assistance to constitutionally aggrieved persons around the country. In addition, we provide information and resources on church-state law to interested persons.
The InnerChange Case
Resources and Frequently Asked Questions about Americans United for Separation of Church and State v. Prison Fellowship Ministries.
Report A Violation
Report a government action that you believe violates the Constitution’s requirement that church and state be kept separate.
Litigation in the Courts
AU’s Legal Department conducts a vigorous litigation program to protect the wall of separation between church and state. Read descriptions of our current and completed cases.
Non-Litigation Successes
AU’s Legal Department engages in an active campaign to remedy constitutional violations without resorting to litigation. Read descriptions of resolved matters.
Church-State Legal Spotlight
More information about prominent church-state legal issues:
Church-State Decisions
Read summaries of important cases in several major areas of church-state law, as well as detailed legal analyses of several recent Supreme Court rulings.
Join the Defenders of Separation Lawyers Network
We are looking for qualified, interested attorneys to join our Lawyers Network. Members of our Lawyers Network will co-counsel or serve as local counsel in church-state cases in their locality.
