STRICT VS.LOOSE INTERPRETATION

First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion.” (i.e. They cannot make an official religion) The Supreme Court ruled that a monument to the Ten Commandments could not be displayed at a public courthouse because of this Amendment. Is the Supreme Court interpreting the First Amendment strictly or loosely?

STRICT VS.LOOSE INTERPRETATION

• Sixth Amendment: • “The accused shall enjoy the right … to have

the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.” (He has the right to have a lawyer).

• The Supreme Court ruled that the government must provide a an attorney if the defendant cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainright, 1963).

• Is the Court interpreting the Sixth Amendment strictly or loosely?

STRICT VS.LOOSE INTERPRETATION

• Writing Assignment (3+ Paragraphs) • Choose a rule that you have recently argued over

(school rule, parents rule, law, anything). • Explain what the rule states (including the “plain

language,” if it is a written rule). • Explain how the rule could be interpreted loosely. • Explain how the rule could be interpreted strictly. • Explain how you interpreted the rule.