Heimlich's History: Engel v. Vitale Supreme Court Case

Introduction

The case was presented to the Supreme Court in 1962.
New York Board of Regents composed a non-denominational prayer recited by school children after the Pledge of Allegiance.
- The prayer: "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country."
- Children could opt out with written parental permission.
Stephen Engel and a group of parents challenged this practice.

First Amendment's Establishment Clause: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.
Challenge: Although a state law, the 14th Amendment applies the First Amendment to states, preventing states from establishing a religion.
Core issue: Establishment clause of the First Amendment.

Question: Does a state-sponsored prayer in school violate the Establishment Clause?
Decision: 6-1, prayer violated the First Amendment.
- Majority Opinion by Justice Hugo Black:
  - First Amendment ensures federal government does not control or influence prayer.
- Dissent by Justice Potter Stewart:
  - Argued school prayer was constitutional as it offered spiritual participation without establishing a religion.
  - Referenced Jefferson’s "wall of separation between church and state."

Individual Liberties: Engel v. Vitale favored individual liberties over social order.
Precedent for Future Cases:
- Cited in subsequent cases regarding school and religious activities.
- Notably cited in Wallace v. Jaffree (1985) against school prayer and in cases against clergy-led prayers at school events.
Impact: Influential in shaping the relationship between government and religion in later decades.

Engel v. Vitale remains a critical case in the context of U.S. constitutional law and civil liberties.
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