Freedom of Religion or Belief

Creating the Constitutional Space for Fundamental Freedoms

Edited by Paul T. Babie, Neville G. Rochow QC, Adelaide Law School, The University of Adelaide, Australia and Brett G. Scharffs, J Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, US

Using the metaphor of ‘constitutional space’, this thought-provoking book describes the confluence and convergence of powers in a constitutional system, comprised of the principled exercise of the legislative, executive and judicial powers of constitutional government. Addressing the issues surrounding the freedom of religion or belief, the book explores the dimensions of constitutional space and the content of this freedom, as well as comparative approaches to defining and protecting this freedom.

‘Freedom of Religion or Belief is an exceptional contribution to the important debate over the potential conflicts between the freedom of religion and belief and other important freedoms. The book does a beautiful job of balancing chapters that explore the nature and importance of religious freedom and those that address the problems that can arise when religious freedom conflicts with the rights of others. Significantly, the book as a whole shows that these conflicts can be navigated without destroying religious freedom or other important freedoms.’
– Frank S. Ravitch, Michigan State University, US

‘In this book, an impressive international cast of scholars provides an
informative look at the protections for religious freedom in a variety of legal systems worldwide, together with a probing consideration of contemporary challenges to this freedom. The book constitutes a valuable contribution to the global discussion of the “first freedom”.’
– Steven Smith, University of San Diego, US