Nolo was born in 1971 as a publisher of self-help legal books. Guided by the motto “law for all,” our attorney authors and editors have been explaining the law to everyday people ever since. Learn more about our history and our editorial standards.
Each article that we publish has been written or reviewed by one of our editors, who together have over 100 years of experience practicing law. We strive to keep our information current as laws change. Learn more about our editorial standards.
A phrase crafted by Thomas Jefferson in response to the Danbury Baptist Association, intended to describe his view of the proper relationship between organized religion and the government. From time to time, the phrase has appeared in court decisions interpreting the First Amendment religion clauses, and especially the establishment clause.
For example, in Everson v. Board of Education, 330 U.S. 1, 16 (1947), Justice Black quoted the phrase while explaining that the government cannot participate in the affairs of a religious group, set up a church, aid or prefer one religion over another, or aid or prefer religion over nonreligion.