Torcaso v. Watkins
United States Supreme Court
367 U.S. 488 (1961)
Relevant factsFree
Maryland's constitution barred denial of a public position based on religious belief but required affirming a belief in God's existence, and Torcaso (plaintiff) was denied a notary-public commission for refusing to make that affirmation; the Maryland courts upheld the requirement, reasoning Torcaso was not compelled to hold public office at all.
IssueFree
Whether, under the First Amendment, a state may use a religious test as a qualification for a public position.