No. 19-267October Term 2019Decided Jul 8, 2020
Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru
This case asked whether teachers at Catholic elementary schools who taught religion and led students in religious activities count as “ministers” for First Amendment purposes, even if they did not have formal ministerial titles or extensive religious training.
Case status
- Current stage
- Decided
- Latest event
- Decision released Jul 8, 2020
- What it's about
This case asked whether teachers at Catholic elementary schools who taught religion and led students in religious activities count as “ministers” for First Amendment purposes, even if they did not have formal ministerial titles or extensive religious training. The dispute arose after two teachers sued their schools for employment discrimination and the schools argued that the Constitution bars courts from reviewing those claims.
Question presented
Whether the Religion Clauses prevent civil courts from adjudicating employment discrimination claims brought by an employee against her religious employer, where the employee carried out important religious functions?
- Case path
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit / Decision released Jul 8, 2020
- Area
First Amendment, Civil Rights
Timing
Decided July 8, 2020
The Court released its decision on July 8, 2020 without hearing oral argument.
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Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary-source trail available.
- Note
- Plain-English explainer. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Jul 25, 2026
- Method
- Methodology