NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (CWNews.com) - A Benton County, Arkansas judge ruled that the local sheriff must remove a set of rules posted in the county jail because they have religious connotations.

      Sheriff Andy Lee posted his "Ten Benton County Jail Rules" which are adapted from biblical rules alongside 30 other rules regarding inmate conduct. The judge cited as inappropriate one the rules which says, "Remember the Sabbath day is a holy day for some detainees (i.e., Do not interfere with others' worship of Almighty God)."

      In testimony, Lee said his goal was to put God in the jail as much as possible to help create a positive atmosphere that could lead to a reduction in crime. "I do believe the world would be a better place," the sheriff said, "if we would obey those Ten Commandments and walk with the Lord." The lawsuit was brought by inmate Jamey Ashford who argued that the rules violated his rights.