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WELSH v. UNITED STATES

Supreme Court Cases

398 U.S. 333 (1970)

Case Overview

Legal Principle at Issue

Whether the section of the Universal Military Training and Service Act, which allows a conscientious objector status only for those who believe in a Supreme Being, violates the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment for those who neither confirm nor deny their belief in a Supreme Being but whose objections to all war are held with the strength of traditional religious convictions.

Action

Reversed. Petitioning party received a favorable disposition.

Advocated for Respondent

J.B. Tietz View all cases

Advocated for Petitioner

Erwin Griswold View all cases

Cite this page

WELSH v. UNITED STATES. (n.d.). First Amendment Library. Retrieved July 5, 2025, from https://www.thefire.org/supreme-court/welsh-v-united-states
WELSH v. UNITED STATES, First Amendment Library, https://www.thefire.org/supreme-court/welsh-v-united-states (last visited 5 Jul. 2025).
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). "WELSH v. UNITED STATES." Oyez. https://www.thefire.org/supreme-court/welsh-v-united-states (accessed July 5, 2025).
"WELSH v. UNITED STATES." First Amendment Library. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), n.d. 5 Jul. 2025, www.thefire.org/supreme-court/welsh-v-united-states.

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