Ramirez v. Collier

The Court ruled 8–1 for John Ramirez, finding he was likely to succeed under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Texas had allowed his pastor in the execution chamber but barred the pastor from praying aloud or laying hands on Ramirez; the Court reversed the lower court.

Chief Justice Roberts wrote the 8–1 opinion, joined by Justices Breyer, Alito, Kagan, Gorsuch, and Barrett; Justices Sotomayor and Kavanaugh concurred; Justice Thomas dissented.

The Court ruled 8–1 for Ramirez.

Majority

Roberts

Breyer

Alito

Sotomayor

Kagan

Gorsuch

Kavanaugh

Barrett

Dissent

Thomas

States must justify restrictions on religious practices during executions when those limits substantially burden a prisoner's faith. For example, a prisoner seeking spoken prayer or physical spiritual support from a pastor may receive greater protection.

The case returned to the lower court for further proceedings consistent with the Court's decision.

The Court ruled 8–1 for Ramirez and reversed the lower court. It found Texas had not justified its restrictions under RLUIPA.

Prisoners seeking religious support during executions are affected. States must better justify limits on a spiritual adviser's prayer or touch.

The case returned to the lower court. That court will continue proceedings under the Supreme Court's decision.