The Amish school case is often cited for upholding which constitutional protection?

• A. Freedom of Speech
• B. Free Exercise of Religion
• C. Establishment Clause
• D. Freedom of Assembly

Answer: (B)

Religious freedom under the First Amendment is protected when the government’s rules would burden sincere religious practice. In the Amish school case (Wisconsin v. Yoder), the Supreme Court ruled that forcing Amish families to send their children to school beyond the eighth grade would infringe on their religious beliefs and way of life. The Court applied a strict or compelling-interest standard and found that the state’s interest in compulsory formal education did not outweigh the Amish community’s religious exercise in this context. This decision highlights how Free Exercise protections can limit state power when enforcing general laws would seriously disrupt sincere religious practices. It’s not about speech, the establishment of religion, or assembly in this instance.