Where Does Religion Fit? Canadian Scholar Speaks on Place of Religion in Comparative Constitutional Law

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Waco, TEXAS (Nov. 5)--Contrary to earlier predictions, not only has religion not vanished, but has gained a renewed momentum worldwide, according to Ran Hirschl, Ph.D., professor of political science and law at the University of Toronto.
"One of the outcomes of this religious resurgence is that the comparative study of constitutional law and religion has never been as relevant or exciting as it is today," said Hirschl.
Hirschl will speak in conjunction with the Robert T. Miller Distinguished Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, in Bennett Auditorium, 1420 S. Seventh St. His lecture, "Across the Seven Seas of Constitutional Law and Religion," will focus on how constitutional law and courts have been dealing with the intensifying struggle over the place of religion in the public sphere.
He received his Ph.D. at Yale University and holds the Canada Research Chair in constitutionalism and democracy. His research interests focus on Canadian and comparative public law, and in particular comparative constitutional and judicial politics.
"We are extremely pleased to have Professor Hirschl give this year's Miller Lecture. His international reputation in law and religion should inspire our students to think deeply about the issues involved in that area," said Jerry Waltman, Ph.D., professor in the department of political science in the College of Arts & Sciences at Baylor University.
Hirschl has published three books, "Towards Juristocracy: The Origins and Consequences of the New Constitutionalism," "Constitutional Theocracy" and "Comparative Matters." He has also authored over 70 articles on comparative constitutional law and politics.
For more information, contact Jerry Waltman at (254) 710-3161 or by email at Jerold_Waltman@Baylor.edu
by Rebecca Malzahn , student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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