History Brief: The Scopes Trial

What was the Butler Act?

• It prohibited parents from interfering with their children's education.

• It prohibited public school teachers from teaching the theory of evolution in place of creationism.

• It prohibited public school teachers from teaching parts of the Bible.

Who was John Scopes?

• A public school teacher who taught the theory of evolution when he substituted in a science class. 

• A parent who wanted the theory of evolution taught in science class.

• A student who challenged the theory of evolution in science class.

Who was William Jennings Bryan?

• The well-known defense attorney for John Scopes.

• The judge in the case.

• The prosecuting attorney who was the former Secretary of State and three time Presidential candidate.

What was the verdict?

• Scopes was found guilty and fined $100

• Scopes was found not guilty

How did the trial impact public schools?

• Creationism was eliminated from Biology textbooks.

• Parents could have a say in what was taught in science class in regards to creationism.

• Biology textbooks eliminated references to evolution.

Why was the Scopes Trial such a high profile case? 

• All of the above.

• The American Civil Liberties Union got involved and publicized it.

• Both the prosecuting and defense attorneys were well-known.

• It was the first time a trial was broadcast to the public.