Sahil Pal

2/8/10

Scopes Trial Notes

I. Before Trial

1. After World War One far more people moved back to observing religion closely thinking
that it would solve their problems. These people who became known as fundamentalists
claimed that society was corrupt.
2. As a result to the Fundamentalist’s disapproval of the teaching of evolution the Butler
Act was passed in Tennessee. In this law the teaching of theories that humans evolved
from lower forms of life became outlawed in all public schools within the area.
3. A substitute teacher was basically used by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
who payed for a lawyer for this person in order to defend his case. They hired Clarence
Darrow.
4. The state hired Williams J. Benning who had lost three presidential elections before and
was a strong believer of the Bible.

II. During Trial

1. Darrow cross examines Benning to destroy his credibility and the case is won by Scopes.
2. Within the trial people argued since people believe both, both should be taught. The
counter argument was that by the same principle since some people were convinced the
Earth was flat, that should also be taught despite the fact that it is known as incorrect.

III. Scopes Trial 2

1. Brought up 56 years after the first (now 1981). In this trial there weren’t lawyers but
ministers and scientists arguing.
2. Fundementalists wanted to support text in the Bible with science however people
objected. This theory was scientific creationism.
3. It couldn’t be taught since it was from a religious viewpoint.