Profiles of Religious Leaders Influence on Past Public Policy and Postulation on Their Future Predisposition

Kimberly Ann Page, Community College of Rhode Island

Abstract

This is a historical look at religious leaders who influenced changes in statutory law through their passionate belief in religious causes. The article begins with Moses and profiles reformers through Syidah Mateen, who advocated for the Koran to be the holy book for Muslim witnesses to swear upon in North Carolina courtrooms. Each profile is a reflection of religious influence on American jurisprudence and exploration whether the same moral influence may alter the future. By extension, this piece questions if religious positions have a positive or negative affect for our society and the public policy advocated.