U5 Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Question 1

What are the facts of the case?

Answer 1

In the 1950s, New York State Board of Regents (Vitale-Board President) authorized short voluntary prayer for student recitation at start of school day. Parents (Engel) filed lawsuit against schoool board because of prayer. Attendance is required at public schools due to State law, but the prayer violated establishment clause.

Question 2

What is the Question/Issue of the case?

Answer 2

Is voluntary, school organized, daily prayer in public school a violation of establishment clause?

Question 3

What was the decision the Supreme Court made?

Answer 3

6-1 Engel
State cannot organize or require prayer in public school because it violates establishment clause. However, this ruling was not meant to ban prayer school altogether.

Question 4

What was the significance of the Supreme Court case?

Answer 4

It was the first case to start outlawing religious activities in public ceremonies. Impapcted public schools across country with organized prayers.

Question 5

Does this case represent Judical Activism or Judicial Restraint?

Answer 5

Judicial Activism

Question 6

What was the clause involved in the case?

Answer 6

Establishment Clause