The following resources may be helpful for additional information about Abington School District v. Schempp (374 U.S. 203, 1963).
Opinion: The Supreme Court's opinion in the Schempp case on June 17, 1963 is available to read.
Oral Argument: Listen to the oral argument in the Schempp case on February 27 and 28, 1963.
Court Records: The University of Texas School of Law has made Justice Tom Clark's records on the case available online. Justice Clark wrote the Court's opinion in the Schempp case.
Earlier Opinion: Engel v. Vitale preceded Schempp to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1962, focusing on the use of a "nondenominational" prayer composed by the New York State Board of Regents. The Supreme Court prohibited use of the prayer as a violation of the First Amendment. By comparison, Schempp involved the Lord's Prayer and Bible reading.
Ellery Schempp: Biographical information is available on the 16-year-old student who initiated the case in 1956.
Statement of Current Law: Thirty-five organizations from across the religious and political spectrum issued a joint statement of law concerning religion in the public schools. In addition, the First Amendment Center offers a comprehensive guide to religion in the public schools.
Current Controversies: The conflict over religion in the public schools continues in both the political arena and in the schools themselves.
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| Justice Tom Clark (left) wrote the Court's opinion in Abington School District v. Schempp. Justice William Brennan, Jr. published a long and influential concurring opinion. (Photograph by Lebanon Zahle, from the Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States.) |
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