NSCL State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes (1925)

The Scopes “Monkey” Trial

A hundred years ago, the small town of Dayton, Tennessee, was thrust into the international spotlight as one of the most famous legal confrontations of the 20th century got underway. The trial in State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes was superficially about teaching evolution in public schools, but it also highlighted the relationship between science and faith, and wrestled with the importance of free speech and academic freedom. The Scopes “Monkey” Trial garnered international attention.

State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes was a misdemeanour trial in a small town courtroom, resulting in a $100 fine (later set aside on a technicality). The traditional narrative of this trial focuses on a conflict between fundamentalist religion and modern science. However the case has become iconic - an analogy for contemporary disputes involving:

• Media spectacle and “circus trials”;
• Religious Belief vs. Scientific Consensus;
• Restrictions based on religious belief as to what should be taught in public schools, and censorship;
• Clashes over the science of climate change and medical effectiveness of vaccines;
• The use and effectiveness of expert evidence in trials; and
• The role of the courts in reviewing, and invalidating, legislation enacted by democratically elected legislatures

We should have an interesting discussion!