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Sherbert Argument Essay: The State Of California

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The State of California is likely to respond to Chosen One and Trinity Evangelical concurrently, anticipating an argument based off the Sherbert doctrine. First, the State of California could credibly show the law was implemented due to a compelling state interest in order to provide the best possible education to every student they are spending taxpayer money on. For example, the State of California has a significant interest in teaching the students under the watch and care of the California educational system the most current, scientifically accepted, and scholastically appropriate material. This includes students that receive grant money from the state but are receiving their education at a private institution. The state would be failing …show more content…

In doing so, California is safeguarding concerns of religious groups, and those worried about civil liberties. California is not singling out money for one religious order, instead any student that qualifies for aid is eligible. This shows that the state is not favoring one religion, but rather the state is working in the interest of the students. In addition, the State can show the breadth of the law makes it neutral considering it effectively applies to every individual who requests grant money. The neutrality of the law ensures that it is not endorsing one religion over another, and both Mitchell v Helms and Zelman v Simmons-Harris set a precedent in neutrality. Thus, using the Sherbert Test, Mitchell v. Helms, and Zelman v. Simmons-Harris government assistance is constitutional when offered equitably to students attending both public and private religious schools. However, those were merely counterarguments, and California contends current precedent is dictated using the Smith test established in Employment Division v.

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