Reynolds v. U.S. (1878) Case Brief
Subject:
Case: Reynolds v. U.S. (1878) Background: The common practice for Mormons was to marry multiple wives. This practice broke the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act. The LDS Church argued that the law broke their first amendment right to freely practice their religion. Issue: Is the First Amendment a suitable defense against when a citizen has broken the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Law? Court's Decision: The court concluded that "Religious duty was not a suitable defense to a criminal indictment." ______________________________________________________ Opinion: