Reviews
from Friends of The Besom 

Pagans and the Law by Dana Eilers 
Reviewed By Mike Gleason, July 09, 2003

Pagans and the Law by Dana Eilers © 2003 New Page 
189 pages + Chapter Notes, Bibliography and Index paperback 
ISBNB 1-56414-671-5 $14.99 (U.S.)

***

Are you an activist? Do you belong to a Pagan-based public organization?
Does your coven meet at your house for rituals? Are you married? A parent?
Are you an individual walking a Pagan path? If you answered "yes" to any of
the preceding questions, then this is a book you should not be without.
Although this book is an invaluable resource, the single most important
fact, as the author (a lawyer herself) reminds us throughout the book is
that there is no replacement for competent legal representation. Get a
lawyer, and then listen to them.

This book will help you to understand the legal process. It will help you
to feel more comfortable with that process. It is NOT, however an adequate
replacement for the advice of an attorney familiar with the laws in you
jurisdiction regarding your legal situation.

Ms. Eilers deals with several broad areas of concern to Pagans: First
Amendment rights; child custody; employment discrimination; landlord issues;
land use; and religion and government. Obviously in a short book such as
this one she can't present exhaustive information. She does cite major
legal precedents, and tell you how to find the relevant sections of your own
judicial rulings.

This was one of the most readable books on a potentially mind-numbing topic
that I have had the pleasure of reading. It is written in a manner which
answers questions clearly and succinctly. It contains enough references to
help you locate more information, yet it doesn't overwhelm you with
citations of case law.

I have, in the past, recommended the people purchase more than one copy of a
particular book. I make that recommendation again with this book. Every
Pagan household should have two copies of this book - so you can loan (or
give) a copy to any lawyer you hire to represent you. It provides good
background to help in your legal representation. And, of course, you will
want to keep a copy handy for your own use.

Ms. Eilers has done the Pagan community a great service with the writing and
publication of this book. It continues the pattern begun with her earlier
work The Practical Pagan (also available from New Page Books, or any major
bookseller). I, for one, hope she continues to make her advice available to us.