SPORTS LAW

CASE STUDY – PROBLEM 2-3

Scenario

• Kathy Mitchell is a student-athlete

• Devoted and active Christian in the church and community

Scenario

• To show her devotion of faith, she wears a cross around her neck on a chain.

• She wears this cross during games as well.

Scenario

• Before the start of the game, archrival asks referee to tell Mitchell to take off the cross

• Mitchell refuses to take the cross off, results in the school forfeiting

1st Amendment

• Protects student-athletes from a state-endorsed religion

• Protects every individual’s right to freedom of belief

• Protects the individual’s freedom to practice his [or her] religion

What Is Her Defense?

• Prevention of expressing her religion

• Does not danger her or others (if taped down)

• Cross is not worn as jewelry, worn as a devotion to religion

• Unenforced rule

References

First amendement to the united states constitution. (2010, October 24). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Thornton, P.K. (Ed.). (2011). Sports law. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

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• http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3301000606_172ce2e036.jpg• http://www.goldenlaurel.com/images/KTH/Web-Rule-Book-

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• http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/img/gameover_xp.jpg• http://passionforcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/the-end-

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