"Epperson v. Arkansas"

Paper Summary:

The paper provides a brief synopsis of the 1968 case, "Epperson v. Arkansas," which challenged the constitutionality of a state law forbidding the teaching of evolutionary theory. The paper outlines the arguments put forward by both sides of the case, details both positive and negative reactions to the outcome and describes the decision of the Supreme Court. The paper ultimately concludes that the ruling was just and in keeping with the letter and spirit of the Establishment Clause.

From the Paper:

"Few areas of jurisprudence are more controversial than matters involving the proper relationship between religion and public policy. In fact, rarely has this tension been more apparent than in the controversial case of Epperson v. Arkansas whereby the constitutionality of a state law privileging creationism while banning evolution was brought before the Supreme Court. The statute in question which sparked the controversy was challenged in 1968 by Susan Epperson, an Arkansas high school teacher who challenged the statute as a violation of the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. According to the court record, Epperson instituted her action first in the Chancery Court of Arkansas, seeking a declaration from the court that the statute was void while enjoining the State of Arkansas and defendant officials from dismissing her from her job for violating the terms of the statute."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Anti-Evolution." Education Digest, 34.5 (1969): 59-60.
• Beckwith, Frances J. "Science and Religion Twenty Years after McLean v. Arkansas: Evolution, Public Education, and the New Challenge of Intelligent Design." Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, 26.2 (2003): 455+. Questia.com. 11 Dec. 2006 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002005568>
• Epperson v. Arkansas, 242 Ark. 922, 416 S. W. 2d 322.
• Susan Epperson et al v. Arkansas 393 U.S. 97 (1968).

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