8th Circuit Remands Prisoner's Establishment Clause Claim

In Munson v. Norris, (Jan. 24, 2006), the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has remanded an Arkansas prisoner's Establishment Clause claim to the district court for examination of the prisoner's objection to participation in a sex-offender class that was imposed as a condition of parole. James Munson objected to the requirement that he recite a serenity prayer at class meetings. Munson claimed his religious beliefs only permitted him to say "God" at night. The court held that the district court had incorrectly viewed the assertion as only a free exercise claim. Arkansas News Bureau has reported on the decision.