The Law School Magazine The New York University School of Law

Notes and Renderings

Defending the Cross

Printer Friendly Version

Appearing before 17 judges of the European Court of Human Rights on June 30, University Professor Joseph Weiler waded into an emotionally charged debate over religious symbols in public buildings. Wearing a yarmulke, Weiler argued on behalf of eight countries seeking to overturn a lower chamber ruling outlawing the display of crucifixes in Italian public school classrooms. “In Europe, the Cross [appears] on endless flags, crests, buildings, etc.,” Weiler said. “It is wrong to argue, as some have, that it is only or merely a national symbol. But it is equally wrong to argue, as some have, that it has only religious significance. It is both.”

All of 2010 Notes and Renderings

2010 Home