What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case Oregon v. Smith?

Study for the Foundations of American Democracy and Federalism Test. Explore multiple choice questions with explanations and gain insights to ace your exam!

The outcome of the Supreme Court case Oregon v. Smith is indeed that the government can deny unemployment benefits for illegal drug use in religious practices. In this case, the Court ruled that individuals who are fired from their jobs for engaging in illegal drug use, even if such use is a part of their religious practices, are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

This decision established a significant precedent concerning the balance between the free exercise of religion and the government's interest in regulating illegal activities. The Court emphasized that while individuals have the right to practice their religion, this right does not exempt them from complying with valid laws that apply to everyone, particularly those that pertain to public safety and welfare. Thus, the ruling effectively indicates that states can impose restrictions on religious practices when such practices conflict with established laws, especially those that aim to protect public health and safety.

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