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University of South Dakota Law Review Symposium: Twentieth Anniversary of Employment Division v. Smith

by University of South Dakota School of Law

The University of South Dakota School of Law hosted a symposium commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Employment Division v. Smith. This event brought together legal scholars and practitioners to reflect on the case's impact on the Free Exercise Clause and its broader implications for the intersection of religion and law.

Key topics included an analysis of the Smith decision's legal reasoning, its influence on subsequent jurisprudence, and discussions on religious liberty in the context of neutral laws of general applicability. Sessions featured presentations by experts such as Marci A. Hamilton, who provided an introduction to the symposium, and Richard F. Duncan, who examined denominational preferences and public scholarships.

The symposium offered attendees opportunities for networking and engaging with leading figures in constitutional law. Notable speakers included Mark S. Kende, who presented a comparative perspective on the free exercise of religion, and Zacheree S. Kelin, who discussed the narrowing definition of "substantial burden" in the Ninth Circuit.

This event was particularly relevant for legal professionals, academics, and students interested in constitutional law, religious freedoms, and the evolving landscape of First Amendment jurisprudence.

Speakers(9)

Christopher C. Lund

Professor of Law at Wayne State University Law School

Christopher C. Lund is a Professor of Law at Wayne State University Law School, with expertise in religious liberty and constitutional law.

David S. Day

Professor of Law at University of South Dakota School of Law

David S. Day is a Professor of Law at the University of South Dakota School of Law, focusing on constitutional law and jurisprudence.

Jessica L. Fjerstad

Law Student at University of South Dakota School of Law

Jessica L. Fjerstad was a law student at the University of South Dakota School of Law, focusing on First Amendment and Native American law.

Kimberly Younce Schooley

Attorney at Kelin Law Firm

Kimberly Younce Schooley is an attorney at Kelin Law Firm, specializing in Native American law and religious freedom cases.

Marci A. Hamilton

Professor of Law at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Marci A. Hamilton is a Professor of Law at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, specializing in First Amendment and constitutional law.

Mark S. Kende

Professor of Law at Drake University Law School

Mark S. Kende is a Professor of Law at Drake University Law School, specializing in constitutional law and comparative constitutionalism.

Matthew L. M. Fletcher

Professor of Law at Michigan State University College of Law

Matthew L. M. Fletcher is a Professor of Law at Michigan State University College of Law, specializing in Indian law and policy.

Richard F. Duncan

Professor of Law at University of Nebraska College of Law

Richard F. Duncan is a Professor of Law at the University of Nebraska College of Law, focusing on constitutional law and religious liberty.

Zackeree S. Kelin

Attorney at Kelin Law Firm

Zackeree S. Kelin is an attorney at Kelin Law Firm, focusing on Native American law and religious freedom cases.

Event Details

Date
February 18, 2010
Location
🇺🇸 Vermillion, United States
University of South Dakota School of Law
Audience
Legal professionals, academics, and students interested in constitutional law and religious freedoms.

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