440 U.S. 490 (1979)
NLRB v. Catholic Bishop of Chicago is a landmark case that examines the intersection of labor law and religious freedom under the First Amendment.
Does the National Labor Relations Act grant the NLRB jurisdiction over teachers employed by church-operated schools without violating the First Amendment?
In the absence of a clear expression of congressional intent to include church-operated schools within the bounds of the NLRA, the potential for significant constitutional questions mandates a cautious approach, whereby such schools cannot be assumed to fall within the NLRB's jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court held that the NLRA does not grant the NLRB jurisdiction over teachers in church-operated schools, as this would pose a substantial risk of violating the First Amendment's religious freedom protections.
NLRB v. Catholic Bishop of Chicago is pivotal for understanding how courts interpret federal statutes vis-à-vis constitutional rights. It sets a precedent for limiting the reach of federal authority over religious institutions, emphasizing the need for clear legislative intent when extending regulatory powers to areas that might infringe upon First Amendment rights. This case demonstrates the judiciary's role in maintaining the boundaries between government regulation and religious practice, serving as a cornerstone for subsequent cases dealing with similar issues.