Freedom of Religion SCOTUS Cases

Question 1

Engel v. Vitale (1962): Facts/background

Answer 1

• New York passed legislation requiring teachers to lead their classes in a short, nondenominal prayer to “Almighty God” at the beginning of the school day
• Students were not forced to participate in the prayer
• Steven Engel and other families sued the school board president William Vitale, arguing that the prayer violated their religious beliefs and the establishment clause
• The New York Court of Appeals upheld the legislation

Question 2

Engel v. Vitale (1962): Constitutional clause

Answer 2

Establishment clause

Question 3

Engel v. Vitale (1962): Holding

Answer 3

• In a 6-1 decision, the Court held that the state could not promote prayer in public schools, as this promoted religion and therefore violated the establishment clause
• It was not the government’s job to compose official prayer and encourage the students to recite it

Question 4

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972): Facts/background

Answer 4

• In 1971, 3 Amish families in Wisconsin refused to enroll their children in school after they completed 8th grade, as they believed enrolling their children would hinder their children’s salvation and hurt their ability to integrate into Amish life, as well as teach them subjects that were in contrast to the Amish religion
• The families were convicted under the Wisconsin Compulsory School Attendance Law, which required that children attend school until they turned 16
• The case was then appealed to the US Supreme Court

Question 5

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972): Constitutional clause

Answer 5

Free exercise clause

Question 6

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972): Holding

Answer 6

• In an unanimous decision, the Court held that Wisconsin could not compel Amish parents to send their children to school past 8th grade, as it violated their right to exercise their religion how they pleased
• Because the teachings in a public high school were in contrast to Amish beliefs, the parents could not be compelled to send their children to high school. Free exercise of religion took precedent over state interest