Writing this week for ReligionUnplugged, RFI Senior Fellow Paul Marshall highlights a ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals allowing Louisiana to implement a law requiring all public schools to display the Ten Commandments. Marshall focuses his commentary on the legal significance of the dual character of the Ten Commandments, arguing that they are “both religious and secular” and that legal codes from the past are “nearly always religious.” “Ignoring them,” he continues, “would mean ignoring much of our legal history, whatever our religious beliefs.”

And the Fifth Circuit ruling rests on this important point, where the judges argue that

the Ten Commandments bear immense religious significance. For believing Jews and Christians … the word of God handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai. But they also have historical significance as one of the foundations of our legal system. … That dual character forecloses any categorical rule against their display on public property.

Read the full article: “Appeals Court Who Declined To Block Ten Commandments Law Got It Right.”