Synopses & Reviews
Church-State Constitutional Issues explores the often-debated and always topical issue of the relationship between church and state as outlined in the First Amendment. Donald L. Drakeman takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the meaning of the establishment clause, demonstrating how the studies of law, religion, history, and political science provide insight into this relationship, which, since the nation's inception, has been difficult to define.
The study first chronicles the Supreme Court's decision regarding the interpretation of the establishment clause from the early 19th century to the present. This legal history is subsequently viewed from a cultural perspective as Drakeman traces both the background of the First Amendment and how the relationship of church and state has developed on its journey through the court system. The volume moves towards further understanding of this complex issue as it concludes with a new interpretation of the establishment clause derived from previous information as well as further legal and political interpretive material.
Review
Drakeman has provided a useful historical overview of the adoption of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and its interpretation during the past two centuries. His estimate of the significance of its wording and his suggestions for a sensible and coherent theory of how it should be applied today will stimulate constructive dialogue among those who care deeply--pro or con--about its importance in the controverted relationship between government and religion.Dean M. Kelley Director, Religious and Civil Liberty National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Synopsis
"To arrive at his own interpretive framework, Drakeman reviews the context of the Supreme Court's interpretation of the establishment clause by chronicling the most significant constitutional cases from the 19th century until today." Choice
Synopsis
This volume explores the often-debated and always topical issue of the relationship between church and state as outlined in the First Amendment. Drakeman takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the meaning of the establishment clause, demonstrating how the studies of law, religion, history, and political science provide insight into this relationship which, since the nation's inception, has been difficult to define. These viewpoints combine to offer a new interpretation of the establishment clause, marking the work as a valuable tool toward further understanding of this complex issue.
Synopsis
This volume explores the often-debated and always topical issue of the relationship between church and state as outlined in the First Amendment. Drakeman takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the meaning of the establishment clause, demonstrating how the studies of law, religion, history, and political science provide insight into this relationship which, since the nation's inception, has been difficult to define. These viewpoints combine to offer a new interpretation of the establishment clause, marking the work as a valuable tool toward further understanding of this complex issue.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [133]-140) and index.
About the Author
DONALD L. DRAKEMAN is a Lecturer in the Department of Politics at Princeton University, and President of a biotechnology company.
Table of Contents
Preface
The Supreme Court and the Establishment Clause
The Quest for the Historical Establishment Clause
Church and State under the Establishment Clause: The First One Hundred and Fifty Years
Establishing a New Approach
Bibliography
Index