ELR Citation: ELR 20079
No(s). s. 02-3947, -4158 (3d Cir. Aug 20, 2004)

The Third Circuit upheld a district court decision that a state wildlife and game commission's refusal to exempt a Native American, who owns black bears for religious purposes, from a permit fee violates the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause. The permitting scheme is subject to strict scrutiny....