Engel Vs. Vitale: 1962 Case Facts

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

• The New York Board of Regents proposed a prayer for children to recite after the Pledge of Allegiance, which was challenged by Stephen Engel and other parents.
• The challenge was based on the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the establishment of religion.
• The 14th Amendment applied the First Amendment to state and national governments.
• The Supreme Court decided that the prayer violated the Establishment Clause.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

• Three Amish families in Wisconsin removed their children from public schools after the 8th grade, citing fears of religious indoctrination.
• Wisconsin had a compulsory education law up to age 16, which the parents violated by removing their children from school.
• The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the Amish families, citing their right to free exercise of religion.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

• The Tinker family wore black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War, which led to their suspension.
• The Supreme Court ruled that the school's policy violated the students' First Amendment right to free speech.
• The case established the "substantial disruption test" for limiting student speech on school property.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

• Charles Schenck wrote a pamphlet urging American men not to join the military during World War I.
• Schenck claimed that the Espionage Act, which prohibited interfering with military recruitment, violated his First Amendment right to free speech.
• The Supreme Court ruled that the Espionage Act was constitutional and did not violate Schenck's First Amendment rights.
• The case established a clear standard for limiting speech during times of war.