9th Circuit Rejects Challenge To "In God We Trust" On Coins and Currency

In Newdow v. Lefevre, (9th Cir., March 11, 2010), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday rejected an Establishment Clause challenge to the inscription of "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins and currency. It relied on a 1970 decision by the 9th Circuit that held the motto is patriotic or ceremonial, not theological or ritualistic. The court also rejected a challenge under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court rejected on standing grounds plaintiff Michael Newdow's broader claim that the mere adoption of "In God We Trust" as the national motto was unconstitutional. Judge Reinhardt concurred only in the result.