Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Does the recitation of a prayer in public schools violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment? A Jewish student sued a New York school board over the daily recitation of a prayer. Middle school level also available.

Grades 12, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Judicial Branch/Supreme Court
Primary Sources

The Constitution: That Delicate Balance

Constitutional issues come to life in this Emmy Award-winning series. Key political, legal, and media professionals engage in spontaneous and heated debates on controversial issues such as campaign spending, the right to die, school prayer, and immigration reform. This series will deepen understanding of the life and power of this enduring document and its impact on history and current affairs, while bringing biases and misconceptions to light.

Grades 8, 9-12
Rights and Responsibilities
Media

Santa Fe v. Doe (2000)

Does a public school policy permitting student-led, student-initiated prayers at football games violate the Establishment Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2000.

Grades 11, 12, 9, 10
Judicial Branch/Supreme Court
Research (Digests of Primary Sources)