1. By: Brielle Williams & Stephanie Ayr
Scopes Trial
By: Brielle Williams & Stephanie Ayr

2. Background Info
Scopes Trial formally known as the Scopes Monkey Trial.
American legal case in which a high school teacher (John Scopes) was accused of violating Tennessee’s Butler Act, which made it unlawful to teach human evolution.
Wanted to change the Butler Act and be able to teach evolution.

3. Who is John Scopes?
Math/ Science Teacher at Rhea County Central High School in Dayton, Tennessee.
Football coach
Disobeyed the curriculum and the law to teach evolution to his classes.

4. Defense vs prosecution
John Scopes
Lawyer: Clarence Darrow
Darrow wanted John Scopes to plead guilty and admit his wrongdoings in court
But argued that the Butler Act violated the separation of church and state and violated his freedom to express personal views
Prosecution
The State of Tennessee
Lawyer: William Jennings Bryan
Bryan believed that communities were justified in setting curriculum standards in tax- supported schools
But was overruled by his colleagues who chose to argue science and religion

6. Lasting effects Religion vs. Science
The judge made clear to the jury that the law’s constitutionality or efforts to support the validity of Darwin’s theory were not relevant
The only isSUE WAS WHETHER OR NOT SCOPES PRESENTED EVOLUTION AS A FACT- he admitted, so he was fined $100
Later the fine to scopes was seen as excessive and his conviction was reversed
Regarded as the “opening scene” in american drama because the teaching of evolution flourishes in public schools today

7. Bibliography
Linder, Douglas O. "An Introduction to the John Scopes (Monkey) Trial." An Introduction to the John Scopes (Monkey) Trial. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar
"Scopes Trial." PBS. PBS, Web. 23 Mar
"The Scopes Trial." United States History. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar < history.com/pages/h1438.html>.