Books

“Beautifully crafted… Gordon explores the constitutional and legislative foundations for current debates over marriage, morality, and law. . . . Essential reading.” — Journal of American History

From the Mormon Church's public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the “Mormon question” debated central questions of constitutional law. . .

“A masterful study… insightful and provocative, well-written and entertaining. I know of no other book like it.” — Mark Silk, author of One Nation, Divisible: How Regional Religious Differences Shape American Politics

A new constitutional world burst into American life in the mid-twentieth century. For the first time, the national constitution’s religion clauses were extended by the United States Supreme Court to all state and local governments. . .

Freedom’s Holy Light: Disestablishment in America, 1776-1876

Examining the historical relationship between
religion, politics, and law.

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The Long Road to Freedom: Biddy Mason and the Making of
Black Los Angeles
Kevin A. Waite, co-author

Learn More

Books

From the Mormon Church's public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the “Mormon question” debated central questions of constitutional law. . .

A new constitutional world burst into American life in the mid-twentieth century. For the first time, the national constitution’s religion clauses were extended by the United States Supreme Court to all state and local governments. . .

Current Book Projects

Freedom’s Holy Light: Disestablishment in America, 1776-1876

Examining the historical relationship between
religion, politics, and law.

The Long Road to Freedom: Biddy Mason and the Making of
Black Los Angeles
Kevin A. Waite, co-author

Sarah Barringer Gordon / Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History / Contact

Books

From the Mormon Church's public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the “Mormon question” debated central questions of constitutional law. . .

A new constitutional world burst into American life in the mid-twentieth century. For the first time, the national constitution’s religion clauses were extended by the United States Supreme Court to all state and local governments. . .

Current Book Projects

Freedom’s Holy Light: Disestablishment in America, 1776-1876

Examining the historical relationship between religion, politics, and law.

The Long Road to Freedom: Biddy Mason and the Making of Black Los Angeles Kevin A. Waite, co-author

Sarah Barringer Gordon / Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History / Contact

Examining the historical relationship between
religion, politics, and law.

The Long Road to Freedom: Biddy Mason and the Making of
Black Los Angeles
Kevin A. Waite, co-author