Epperson+v.+Arkansas

=Science Reaches a New Height of Recognition:=

In the Case of Epperson v. Arkansas, the Supreme Court had to take action. Being one of the first science based argument in the Supreme Court, the case was highly important. This case was the first evolution taught case in the Supreme Court. Even though the John Scopes trial was a more famous case, it didn't come anywhere close to reaching the Supreme Court. This case happened in 1968, and the court ruled in favor of teaching Evolution in classes.


 * About the case:**

There are many questions about the case (as shown below). If so, then let's get to it:

In 1965 Arkansas, the state passed a law that states that it is illegal for any Public or State Controlled school to teach evolution in their classrooms. It was called a "criminal misdemeanor." Even though this law was already passed, an Arkansas school in Little Rock, gave a teacher named Susan Epperson an Evolution textbook. To avoid a criminal penalty, she sued charges saying that the law was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Susan Epperson saying that not teaching Evolution violated the Establishment Clause, and the First Ammendment, the idea of Free Speech.

The Court said that the only reason Arkansas didn't want to have Evolution taught is because it conflicted with religious belief of a certain religious group, which was Christianity at the time. The court then quoted that the government in terms of religion was neutral. Their exact words were: "Government in our democracy, state and national, must be neutral in matters of religious theory, doctrine, and practice. It may not be hostile to any religion or to the advocacy of no-religion; and it may not aid, foster, or promote one religion or religious theory against another or even against the militant opposite."

This case caused controversy because many people believed that this decision wasn't fair because it violated people's idea of religious freedom. The government tried to claim neutrality, but they caused more controversy through this decision. Epperson just wanted neutrality, but this decision made people believe that science was more important, and so people disregarded the idea of creationism, and schools taught just evolution. What followed was an anti-religious doctrine. If not teaching evolution was illegal, then how about proclaiming some idea of religion in it or teaching intelligent design?

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 * Glog for the case:

This glog gives thoughtful questions about the supreme court decision.


 * Wordle on the case:



The wordle captures the main ideas of this case.**

All in all the case was controversial and the decision can bring some arguments to the courts. The case ruled that science was somewhat over religion when the government was supposed to be at a nuetral standpoint. Remember, it is illegal to ban the teaching of evolution.
 * Conclusion:**


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