religious liberty

The Constitution makes no provision for protecting the citizens of the respective states in their religious liberties; this is left to the state constitutions and laws: nor is there any inhibition imposed by the Constitution of the United States in this respect on the states.

As secured by the provisions of the constitution of the United States, and of the several states, means freedom from any establishment of a religion, from compulsory support of religious instruction, from compulsory attendance on religious worship, and from restraints on the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience, or upon the expression of religious belief. See Cooley, Const. Lim. 575. The full and free right to entertain any religious belief, to practice any religious principle, and to teach any religious doctrine which does not violate the laws of morality and propriety, or infringe personal rights. 13 Wall. (U. S.) 728. But freedom from restraint on the exercise of religion does not permit one to break the law, violate peace and good order, or interfere with another's liberty of action, 63 Mich. 396, because his unlawful acts were in the exercise of his religion, or according to the dictates of his conscience. 98 U. S. 166. RELIGIOUS MEN (Law Lat. religioai). Such as entered into some monastery or convent. In old English deeds, the vendee was often restrained from aliening to "Jews or religious men," lest the lands should fall into mortmain. Religious men were civilly dead. Blount.

See Liberty.

Defined under Religious in Black's Law Dictionary.