The First Amendment
By: Andrew Canright
Historical Background of First Amendment
This amendment was included in the Bill of Rights because in the English Bill of Rights, there was a liberty similar to the amendment and it inspired the first amendment.
The First Amendment (Word for Word)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peacefully assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The First Amendment (In my own words)
We are allowed to have our own religions, speak publicly about a topic, protest peacefully about something, and use the press.
Reynolds v. United States (1878)
Background Information: Reynolds said that the law against having multiple wives interfered with his religious duty to have several wives.
Court's Decision and Rationale: The court's decision was to not change their law of not having multiple wives, because it wasn't in violation of the first amendment since the rule applied to everyone.