This week we highlight cert petitions that ask the Supreme Court to consider, among other things, the autonomy of faith-based nonprofits to hire only candidates who share their religious beliefs, and Apple’s attempt to shake up the process for contesting patent validity by expanding the jurisdiction of federal courts to hear appeals. The First Amendment establishes that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The establishment clause prohibits the federal government from endorsing a particular religion or belief set. The free exercise clause protects the rights of citizens to practice the religion of their choice, without interference from the government. In Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission v. Woods , the justices are faced with a free exercise question regarding the rights of religious nonprofits to hire individuals who share in their beliefs. Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission provides a legal-aid clinic to assist vulnerable community members. As a prerequisite to employment, the mission requires regular church attendance, a pastor’s recommendation, and an explanation of the applicant’s relationship with Jesus. In 2016, Matthew Woods expressed interest in an open position for a staff attorney with the clinic and disclosed to the director of […]
