Praying for Relief from Drought, then Flooding, then Drought, then Flooding Utah Drought In 1978, while I was at BYU, the state was coping with a severe drought. The saints were asked to pray for rain. They did, and the Lord answered their prayers. Sure enough, it started to rain. And then it rained, and … Continue reading Watch Out What You Pray For!
The foundation of religious freedom in America was laid over 150 years before the Bill of Rights. The Lords Baltimore were major architects of that foundation. George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore George Calvert (1580-1632) was the first Lord and Baron Baltimore. He was a very successful member of the British cabinet and parliament. But then, … Continue reading Lord Baltimore: George & Cecil Calvert – “Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 5/5)
William Penn, along with Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, and George and Cecil Calvert are the great architects of religious freedom in America. Because of Quaker Oats, Pennzoil, and the State of Pennsylvania, William Penn is the most famous of these early advocates of religious liberty. "Quakers" William Penn (1644-1718) became a "Quaker" while enrolled in … Continue reading William Penn -“Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 4/5)
I love working with jurors. They are upstanding citizens doing their civic duty, often at great sacrifice. However, like everything else in the criminal justice system, jurors can be unpredictable. The IRS Investigator I had just begun questioning the one hundred prospective jurors in a serious felony case. One of my first questions is: … Continue reading “My” Unpredictable Jurors, Pt 2
Over 150 fifty years before the Bill of Rights, heroic men and women laid the foundation of religious freedom in America. These include Lord Baltimore Cecil Calvert, Roger Williams, William Penn, and Anne Hutchinson. Anne was one of the first American woman heroes. She was intelligent, independent, and strong. Unfortunately, these qualities in a woman … Continue reading Anne Hutchinson -“Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 3/5)
Concept of "Separation of Church and State" Roger Williams Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) is given credit for the phrase and concept of “separation of church and state.” That credit is largely misplaced. The person most responsible for “separation of church and state,” is Roger Williams (1601-1684). Roger Williams made a "monumental contribution. . . to the cause … Continue reading Roger Williams -“Early American Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 2/5)
I once had an unforgettable and entertaining attempt rape case. The victim was a woman janitor at an elementary school. She was wiry and under 5' tall. She worked throughout the night on the graveyard shift. At about 3:00 am, she heard movement behind her. She turned around and was shocked to see a man … Continue reading The Female School Janitor versus The Wannabe Rapist
Unbelievably, after 400 years, freedom of religion is still controversial in America. In the beginning, religious issues permeated colonial America. Members of various sects immigrated to the New World seeking a safe haven for worship. Some of these religions flourished, some stagnated, some evolved, some fragmented, and some failed. Colonial Denominations Calvinists dominated early Massachusetts. … Continue reading Religion in Colonial America: “Early Heroes of Religious Liberty” (Pt 1/5)
It is a modern American tradition that death row inmates should be granted a “last meal” request. Many prisoners do not choose to have a last meal. Facing imminent execution can diminish a person’s appetite. Other prisoners do not want to vomit up their last meal as their last act on earth. There are several … Continue reading Famous Killers “Last Meal” Requests
When I think of the petition “So help me God,” I am reminded of the phrases: “God helps those who help themselves.” “God helps those who cannot help themselves.”“God help those who get caught helping themselves.” Presidential Oath Prior to the inauguration of President Obama, an atheist filed a lawsuit to prevent Chief Justice Roberts from … Continue reading “So Help Me God”
The London Edition 