Apostacy

What does Apostacy mean in American Law?

The definition of Apostacy in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

Sometimes spelled “apostasy.” Strictly, the total renunciation of a religion for another religion or for no religion at all, e.g., the act of the Roman emperor Julian the Apostate in renouncing Christianity. The term has been widely used, however, to batter people who disagree as to the true tenets of a religion, i.e., as a near synonym for heresy. See also apostata capiendo.