NCJ Number
234888
Date Published
1995
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections, presents a teleconference discussing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as it relates to correctional institutions.
Abstract
This 2-hour video discusses the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and how it impacts correctional institutions. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) was passed by Congress in 1993 and its purpose is to prevent local, State, and Federal agencies from placing undue burdens on individuals' free exercise of religion and religious practices. This teleconference discusses the implications this law has on correctional institutions. The teleconference has five primary objectives: 1) participants will understand why RFRA was passed as a law; 2) participants will know how correctional agencies can implement the Act and make reasonable accommodations; 3) participants will know strategies to assist in implementations; 4) participants will know about case studies and legal issue of RFRA; and 5) participants will now how RFRA impacts food service. Following an overview of RFRA, eight strategies are discussed for implanting the law in correctional institutions: 1) what exactly is being specifically requested; 2) what is being done elsewhere in other prisons and systems and in the community; 3) have local and national religious resources been consulted regarding mandates of particular religious practices; 4) what, if any, court cases have set a precedent; 5) what is the least restrictive alternative that is available; 6) is there any institutional consultation process to establish if there is compelling interest or least restrictive means; 7) is there a systematic administrative process to communicate, refer, and make decisions; and 8) do decisions contribute to equity and consistency in institutions.