53: Dreadlocks and Damages: Religious Liberty Behind Bars. Interview with Steve McFarland and Todd McFarland.

What legal recourse does a Rastafarian inmate have when prison officials forcibly shave his head, violating his religious beliefs? The Supreme Court is preparing to weigh in on Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, a case that could clarify whether government officials can be held personally liable for violating religious liberty rights—even behind bars. The outcome could have lasting implications for people of faith well beyond the prison walls.

Show Notes

Article | "Court to decide whether government officials can be held personally liable for violating inmate’s religious liberty," by Amy Howe. //www.scotusblog.com/2025/06/court-to-decide-whether-government-officials-can-be-held-personally-liable-for-violating-inmates-religious-liberty/

Case description | https://www.christianlegalsociety.org/case/landor-v-louisiana-department-of-corrections-public-safety/

Amicus brief | Christian Legal Society brief in support of Damon Landor. https://www.christianlegalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CLS-Landor-brief-filed.pdf

Website | Christian Legal Society https://www.christianlegalsociety.org

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Steve McFarland is the director of the Center for Law & Religious Freedom, Christian Legal Society.

Todd McFarland is the deputy general counsel, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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