This sixth chapter in a book on school law provides a general overview of the religion clauses of the First Amendment and reviews the cases in which the issue of evolution versus creationism has been decided from the Scopes trial to the present. Rulings related to the Establishment Clause of the Constitution are discussed and the "three-part…

A review of the major legal cases concerning the curricular debate over evolution and creationism shows how the courts, in recent cases, have applied fundamental constitutional principles in a way that preserves both intellectual freedom and freedom of belief. (CM)

The issues of science, religion, and the U.S. Constitution continued in 1979 in a creationist's Superior Court complaint against the teaching of evolutionary theory. The legal strategies by the adversaries were as significant as the arguments; and, in this case, academicians' scholarship was at a disadvantage in the courtroom. (Author/CM)

Describes the John Scopes case of 1925 in which he was tried and convicted for teaching evolution. Gives background on the two famous attorneys for the case: William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow. Explains that the case turned into a media sensation because of the profound issues and oratory skills of the attorneys. (CMK)

The 1981 court trial concerning a challenge to the constitutionality of Arkansas' Act 590, the Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act, is described in detail. Arguments, courtroom strategies, and personalities are discussed, and the ruling of unconstitutionality is outlined. (MSE)

Traces the history of legal rulings leading up to the Edwards vs. Aguillard decision by the Supreme Court that it is unconstitutional to mandate "balanced treatment" and "equal time" for teaching creationism along with evolution in school science classes. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

Legislation, rulings, and arguments for and against public schools giving creationism equal time or consideration with evolution are discussed. In the 1920's fundamentalists began to promote statutes prohibiting the teaching of evolution in public schools. Since that time the creationists have sought to supplant evolution with creationism on the…

State and Supreme Court litigation perpetuates the controversy over the role of creationism in the science classroom, and surveys reveal that many Americans continue to doubt the scientific validity of evolution theory and believe in equal classroom time for creationism. (MSE)

Pressure on the public schools is coming from conservative New Right religious-political groups. Their concerns focus on: (1) secular humanism--a Godless form of religion that the public schools are alleged to be teaching; (2) scientific evolution versus creationism--the balanced treatment statute; (3) Bible clubs and prayer in the classroom; and…

Reports that 72 Nobel prizewinners have filed a legal brief in the United States Supreme Court. The brief supports an effort to overturn Louisiana law that requires "creation science" to be given equal time with evolution in the state's public schools. Argues that "creation science" is religion dressed up as science. (TW)