HOME > First Amendment Library > Case   United States v. Seeger (docket #: 50) (1965)  [Findlaw] Argument Date 11/16/1964 Decided 03/08/1965 Supreme Court Vote 9-0 Supreme Court Ruling Free Exercise claim upheld.   Issue Whether the section of the Universal Military Training and Service Act, which allows a conscientious objector status only for those who believe in a “Supreme Being,” violates the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment by distinguishing between religious and nonreligious objectors and discriminating between different forms of religious expression. Majority Opinion Clark, J. Concurring Opinion Douglas, J. Lower Court 2nd Circuit Lower Court Ruling Free Exercise claim upheld. Lawyers For Petitioner Solicitor General Cox For Respondent Kenneth W. Greenawalt Briefs For Amicus American Civil Liberties Union, American Ethical Union, American Humanist Association, American Jewish Congress (for Respondents) Opinion - Lower Court United States v. Seeger, 326 F.2d 846 (C.A.N.Y. 1964) News "High Court Frees 3 War Objectors; Finds Broad Basis for Draft Exemptions if Belief in a Supreme Being Is Held," New York Times, Mar. 9, 1965 Pomfret, John D., "High Court Hears Case of Objector; At Issue is Supreme Being Clause in Army Exemption," New York Times, Nov. 18, 1964, pg. 26  SEARCH MORE About this site About the First Amendment About the First Amendment Center How to contribute Video/RSS/podcasts First Amendment programs State of the First Amendment reports Religious liberty in public schools First Reports Supreme Court Columnists Experts First Amendment publications First Amendment Center history Glossary Freedom Sings™ Events First Amendment Schools Congressional Research Service reports Guest editorials FOI material The First Amendment Library Lesson plans freedomforum.org Newseum Contact us Privacy statement Related links