Thomas Jefferson and Justice Joseph Story’s Rival Conceptions of Christianity in the Common Law System of the United States

Abstract

This Honors thesis deals with the conflict between President Thomas Jefferson and Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story over the application of Christianity in the Common Law System of the United States. The thesis looks into the writings and speeches of the individuals to reveal their opinions of what role religion should play in the common law system of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson’s posthumous publication of his essay calling for strict-separation from Christianity and common law was met by Justice Joseph Story arguing that the Christianity was part of the very being of common law, and simply could not be separated from common law.