Heimler's History: Supreme Court Case - Engel v. Vitale

Introduction

• Focus: Landmark case Engel v. Vitale
• Context: Required Supreme Court cases for AP Government curriculum
• Theme: Separation of church and state

Facts of the Case

• Year: 1962
• Context: New York Board of Regents composed a non-denominational prayer for school children.
• Prayer Content: Acknowledgment of dependence on God and blessings for various societal elements.
  • Not specifically invoking any deity like Jesus or Allah.
  • Optional participation with written parental permission.
• Challenge: Led by Stephen Engel, citing violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.

Constitutional Principle

• First Amendment: Prohibits laws respecting an establishment of religion.
• Fourteenth Amendment: Extends First Amendment protections to state actions.
• Core Issue: Whether state-sponsored prayer violates the Establishment Clause.

Court's Decision

• Question: Does state-sponsored prayer in schools violate the Establishment Clause?
• Decision: 6-1 in favor of Engel, ruling the prayer unconstitutional.
• Majority Opinion: Written by Justice Hugo Black emphasizing the First Amendment's role in preventing government influence over prayer practices.
• Dissenting Opinion: Justice Potter Stewart argued that offering prayer wasn't establishing a religion and promoted spiritual heritage.
• Influence: Jefferson's "wall of separation between church and state" concept pivotal.

Importance of the Case

• Individual Liberties: Demonstrates a ruling favoring individual liberties over social order in First Amendment cases.
• Precedent: Basis for future rulings on religious activities in schools:
  • Wallace v. Jaffree (1985) striking down Alabama's moment of silence law.
  • Clergy-led prayer at school ceremonies (1992) deemed unconstitutional.
• Long-term Impact: Influenced government and religion relationship in future cases.

Conclusion

• Engel v. Vitale set significant precedents impacting religious freedom and government influence.
• Provides framework for understanding the balance between individual rights and social practices in educational settings.

• Additional Resources: For more review materials and help in AP Government, check Heimler's other videos and review packets.