research paper

Your 1st paper is the research paper and is 5-6 pages in length. APA or MLA format. 

The paper is based on the following:

Choose two of these areas--one dealing with free exercise and one with establishment--and for each of them, do the following:

• Identify: whether this issue involves free exercise or establishment.
• Research:the history of the issue in terms of court cases. Write at least a few substantial paragraphs on questions such as:
  • How has it been interpreted over the years?
  • Have there been reverses in later decisions?
  • What is the currently accepted interpretation?
  • Where do we stand today on this issue?
• Analyze:the pros and cons of the issue, using your own interpretations, backed with research (properly cited.) This is the meat of your paper, so don’t skimp.  Deal with such questions as
  • What are the relevant questions involved?
  • What were the positions on either side?
  • Is the issue now favoring a more conservative or more liberal interpretation?
  • Do you agree with what the courts have decided, especially the current interpretation? Why or why not? Give the arguments for both sides, and analyze the pros and cons, citing cases or other research as relevant.
  • Do you think public opinion has had an effect on the decisions? Do you think this is good? Why or why not?
  • What do you predict will happen with regard to this issue in the future? Are there important cases coming up through the lower courts? Is there an interpretive trend? What factors in the public arena might influence future decisions?