The Scopes Trial of 1925

The Scopes Trial is a famous American trial that took place in Tennessee in 1925. John Scopes, a high school teacher, refused to acknowledge and follow the rules of the Butler Act. The Butler Act made it illegal for evolution to be taught in any state-funded school in the state of Tennessee.

Mr. Scopes was accused on May 5, 1925 of teaching evolution to his class. A defense team was collected and the trial lasted eight days. After this long trial, Scopes was found guilty of illegally teaching evolution in the classroom.



This trial sparked debate about the teaching of intelligent design vs. evolution. It is only one of many instances of conflicts between both views on this issue. The controversy on whether intelligent design or evolution should be taught in schools is still lingering in today's society.

The picture below is of Clarence Darrow raising his fist and making a speech at the Scopes Trial in 1925.