Oral Argument Today in Prison Religious Freedom Case

The Supreme Court will hear oral argument today in Cutter v. Wilkinson, 03-9877.  Question presented:  Whether Congress violated the Establishment Clause by enacting the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-1 through § 2000cc-5, which requires state officials to lift unnecessary governmental burdens imposed on the religious exercise of institutionalized persons under their control?  The suit was brought by a group of prisoners who claimed that the Ohio prison system stifled their ability to exercise their religion of choice.  On prisoner is a Satanist, another claims to be a witch, and others belong to a polytheistic religion called Asatru, which requires them to wear medallians in violation of prison rules.   Details. . .   [Mark Godsey]