What was the ruling in Reynolds v. US (1879)?

The ruling in Reynolds v. US (1879) established an important precedent regarding the limits of religious freedom under the First Amendment, specifically focusing on the free exercise clause. The Supreme Court determined that while individuals are free to hold any religious beliefs, the free exercise clause does not necessarily protect actions that are deemed illegal, even if those actions are motivated by religious beliefs. In this case, the Court upheld the conviction of George Reynolds for practicing polygamy, affirming that the government could regulate actions that contradict established laws, even in the context of religious practices. This ruling clarified the distinction between beliefs, which are protected, and actions, which can be subject to legal restrictions, thereby shaping the interpretation of religious liberty in the United States.