Creationism in the Classroom: Cases, Statutes, and Commentary [Minkštas viršelis]

Through a focused examination of cases, statutes, and judicial opinions generated by the creation-evolution legal controversy, Larson's (law, Pepperdine U.) law-school case book explores establishment clause jurisprudence generally and fundamental issues in religious, academic, and individual rights. The cases are organized around a historical framework and cover the anti-evolution crusade, extending the establishment clause to the states, experimenting with accommodation, the rise and fall of balanced treatment, creationist textbooks and teachers, disclaiming and defaming Darwinism, and anti-evolutionism in the 21st century. No subject index is provided, but the text includes a detailed table of contents and a table of principal and cited/discussed cases with page numbers. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This casebook, by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, explores fundamental legal issues relating to how scientific and religious concepts of biological origins should be presented in public-school biology courses. Although numerous legal arguments are invoked, the Establishment Clause typically stands at or near the center of most disputes: Does teaching Darwinism or creationism, or disparaging them, in public schools promote or hinder religious belief in violation of the First Amendment? In grappling with this question in various forms as presented in differing fact situations over the past half century, American courts have examined the meaning of the Establishment Clause and sharpened their interpretation of it. This is the first and only casebook devoted to this topic, and it is ideal for use in education law programs, constitutional law seminars, and legal history courses.