Should 1st Amendment religious rights be limited for convicted felons?

Question

As the case against the Arkansas Department of Corrections goes to the Supreme Court...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/03/03/supreme-court-will-hear-muslim-prisoners-religious-challenge-to-prison-no-beards-policy/?wprss=rss_national

Do you think the rights of the guards and other prisoners to a safe environment override an individual's right to practice there religion as they see fit by growing a beard? Should Rastafarians be allowed to smoke ganja in prison in states where pot is legal?

Also, if we can't limit the 1st Amendment rights of convicted felons then why is it OK to limit their 2nd Amendment right not only while in prison but for the rest of their lives?

Answer 1

Certain rights absolutely should be protected as long as those rights do not cause legit safety concerns within the prison. In this case, growing a beard does not present any danger or harm to the inmate or other inmates.

Answer 2

The 5th Amendment clearly allows for it.



The 5th Amendment is quite clear that people may be deprived of liberties, but only after due process of law.

Answer 3

if they are on prison they lost their rights. religion is one thing but smoking pot is a NO. If they believe they have the right to sit in a jail cell using my tax money to smoke pot or play xbox **** them. Prison cost taxpayers enough and the fact tht they have the balls to say theyre rights are infringed is complete bs. I hope these assholes get bent over by a gian black guy and ****** in tbeir ***

Answer 4

people here think in terms of black and white i think within common sense and reason convicted felons should be accommodated smoking an illegal substance in jail have to say no ( people do it any way) but growing a beard have to say yes

Answer 5

Prison removes most of your rights. For a felony, I think you forever loose your right to vote.