David M. O'Brien's other books include Storm Center: The Supreme Court in American Politics, now in its sixth edition, and a two-volume casebook, Constitutional Law and Politics, now in its fifth edition.
"A fascinating tale told with O'Brien's signature stylish flair and
deep understanding of the legal issues central to this case. Should
appeal to anyone who loves a great story and cares about the
tug-of-war between government regulation and religious
freedom."--Nadine Strossen, President, American Civil Liberties
Union, and Professor of Law, New York Law School"A riveting,
blow-by-blow account of one of the most interesting religious
freedom cases to be decided by the Supreme Court in the twentieth
century. The mix of unorthodox religious practice, religious
persecution, political intrigue, and pursuit of justice make for a
superb story that will fascinate general and expert readers
alike."--Derek Davis, author of Original Intent: Chief Justice
Rehnquist and the Course of American Church/State Relations"O'Brien
is both a fine scholar and master storyteller and his book is an
important contribution to the understanding of the dynamics of
minority religion in America. He has a sharp eye for colorful
characters as well as legal principle, and he guides us easily
through the tangled immigrant politics of South Florida, the
history of American law concerning religious freedom, and the
exchanges among litigants, amici, attorneys, and judges on the road
to decision."--Joseph M. Murphy, author of Santeria: African
Spirits in America
"American religious historians will find here a readable case study
that illuminates the intersection of law and minority religious
experience."--Religious Studies Review"O'Brien's study is well
written and provides ample background on the significance and
history of the interpretations of the first amendment's clauses
dealing with religion, as well as an even-handed, balanced
presentation of arguments on both sides of the case. . . .
O'Brien's study is written so as to engage the general, nonacademic
reader interested in the topic of freedom of religion, American
pluralism, and a story of the underdog against the state. It will
be the definitive study of this landmark Supreme Court case for a
long time to come."--American Historical Review"This book contains
an excellent account of the current state of jurisprudence in the
area of religious liberty. Highly recommended."--Choice"Students of
immigration, jurisprudence, religion, and animal rights will find
this study intriguing."--History: Reviews of New Books"An engaging
book. O'Brien has done a wonderful service to scholars of law,
religion, immigration, and American history. . . . The book should
be received with appreciation and acclaim by general readers and
experts alike, and should shed some welcome light on the
flourishing African-derived religions in the United States, which
are still so misunderstood and maligned in popular discourse. This
is a fascinating story well told, which should be a source of pride
for those whose relationship to the divine entails animal
sacrifice, and to anyone who cherishes religious freedom as one of
the greatest things about the United States."--Florida Historical
Quarterly
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