What place, if any, does an individual's religious belief have in a criminal case?

In the criminal trial of Jessica Salazar, the prosecutor placed repeated emphasis on Ms. Salazar’s request for a prayer. It was the first line of the prosecution’s opening statement , and it was repeated many times in its closing . The Ninth Circuit held on de novo review this was no error —that prayer is evidence of a guilty mind. This case presents grave concern regarding an individual’s right to religious freedom: What place, if any, does an individual’s religious belief have in a criminal case? Because the Ninth Circuit diverged from the circuit courts on this important question , this Court should grant certiorari and resolve the issue. prefix PARTIES ,