Separation of Church & State

A recent New York City woman attempting to smuggle bushmeat (monkey) into the country has once again raised the issue of church and state. The woman's religion regularly eats bushmeat for their souls but the woman was still brought to court. This debate goes back to the founding of the country, even John Locke speculated on the different powers that the two entities hold. In times of war, certain citizens that have been drafted have pleaded ineligible due to religious beliefs. In times of peace, certain citizens claimed that they require illegal substances to enable communication with higher beings. Where may the legal system draw the line, where does one hold authority over another?

The precidents hold that in times of less stability religious rights are held in a lower regard, and when the country runs smoother religious special-treatment runs amok. This line tends to be the one that makes the most sense. As long as exceptions to the law for religion do not harm anyone, it only makes sense to not harm the defendant and allow them to practice their beliefs. A woman smuggling in bushmeat probably is not going to get anyone killed and the justice system should show some respect for personal beliefs and realize this.