The Free Exercise Clause, Essay Example

From the article, I agree with the Court’s ruling on rights imposed on prisoners’ while incarcerated because they are restricted from certain things that contribute to the mismanagement of the correctional facilities. The Courts’ aimed at creating a neutral rule for prisoners to comply to, which accommodates for general applicability. This showed that equality in the prison was upheld, and thus, the ruling was not intended to restrict any religious affiliation, but ensured that the rue applied to all individuals in the same way (United States Commission on Civil Rights, 2008). This law of free exercise right required prisoners’ to act in a manner, not in agreement with their beliefs. However, the rule is practicable for all parties involved because it creates a balance against the interests of the government. As a result, the governments were not in a position to impose a burden on the prisoners’ that was substantial to their religious beliefs. Therefore, the interests of all parties are considered.

Alex Johnson states clear reasons as to why this law is imposed on prisoners’ and well, they corroborate with all pleas and issues raised by officials in prisons (2005). According to many, The Free Exercise Clause has been abused for individuals own benefit and this has reduced the importance of having religious liberty in correctional facilities. Other researchers and lawyers agree with this ruling because it reduces the chances of having criminals act in a manner that pleases them with the pretense of acting religiously. During such events, prisoners have abused the privileges given to them by the State and have gone to the extent of neglecting their key roles in prison facilities. It is evident that religion needs to be upheld at all times, but considerations need to be placed on who and why it is imposed.

When it concerns prisoners of other countries like those in the current Iraq War, strict measures need replacing in order to accommodate their religious practices and freedom. The reason for this is most of these prisoners are Muslims, and others are Christians. These groups are known and need no further elaboration. However, imposed rules and sanctions have forced government institutions to be reluctant in exercising the free clause in prisoners. It is important for prisoners’ to uphold their religious beliefs because it is part of their way of living and thus, the balance ensures that minimal numbers of frivolous lawsuits are experienced (Johnson,  2005). This also reduces the chances of having safety risks, which culminates to the safety of the country as a whole. Government officials need to balance their decisions bearing in mind the welfare of other members of the state. It is paramount therefore, to give prisoners their rights to exercise religious freedoms in prisons even if they are not from the same State.

The intent of many correctional facilities is to maintain high levels of security and thus, it is important for Commission officials to develop findings and recommendations that give a basis on their social research sciences, briefing testimony and review of case laws. The research department contributes greatly in gathering information on how inmates view their current situations with regard to The Exercise Freedom Clause (United States Commission on Civil Rights, 2008). They should also give views and opinions on how they want the officials to help in ensuring that their groups grow. This will reduce the high numbers of those not linked to any religious groups. This brings the facility to an organized and respected one in the State because the prisoners love and respect each other. Furthermore, these prisoners are people who have rights that need addressing and sanctions imposed to improve their current situations.

References

Johnson, A. (2005). Court upholds prisoners’ religious rights. Retrieved from < http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8047388/from/RL.1/about#.ULJ1DodtikM >

United States Commission on Civil Rights. (2008). Enforcing Religious Freedom in Prison. Washington, DC.