This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Richardson (P) was hired by the superintendent of the Boston State Hospital. P was then informed that she had to take an oath as was required of all public employees of the state and she refused because she thought it was in violation of the U.S. Constitution. (The oath is on page 1177 Rotunda 6th edition). P was then terminated. P sued D. The district court agreed with P and struck the oath. The government appealed.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

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Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.