Judges, Religious Tests for


Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Religious Test for Federal Judges

Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

1985

The President of the United States and some of his aides have stated that candidates

for federal judgeships will be interrogated regarding their positions on matters

pertaining to the separation of church and state, and especially on their stance

regarding prayer in public schools and free access of religious groups to public schools and

other public facilities. Clergy identified with the so-called Moral Majority have

also made statements indicating that they will exert considerable influence in determining the acceptability of men and women under consideration for federal judgeships.

Therefore be it resolved

that the CCAR vigorously oppose any test of religion or religious belief as a basis

for selection or rejection of any candidate for appointment as a judge in our nation’s

courts of justice.