Michael Helfand Supreme Court amicus brief referenced by Justice Alito

April 21, 2017 | During the Supreme Court oral argument in Trinity Lutheran Church of Colombia, Inc. v. Comer, Justice Samuel Alito referenced and asked the attorney representing the respondent questions based on Professor Michael Helfand's amicus brief on behalf of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. The question before the Court is whether the state of Missouri can exclude religious institutions from otherwise secular and neutral aid programs under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Justice Alito asked James Layton, the attorney for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, to address "Federal laws that are highlighted in the amicus brief filed by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations..." The case was argued on April 19.

Professor Helfand's amicus brief may be found at www.scotusblog.com