The Freedom of Thought and Religion in Law Enforcement

Abstract

Applying a constitutional law approach, the study examines the religious freedom of the Hungarian law enforcement staff. On the one hand, they are studied as public officials acting on behalf of the ideologically neutral state, on the other hand as “employees” of the police. Still, this should not prevent an individual from having their own system of values and living according to them. The study briefly compares how the religious practices of the law enforcement and the military staff are accommodated, as, according to the Act on church affairs, the concerning regulations are the same. It turns out that the military are in a far more favourable position, although there is no constitutional reason for the difference. Finally, the religious practices of a few European police forces are outlined.