Lemon vs. Kurtzman (1971)
Details: In Rhode Island a statute provided direct salary payments to teachers in non-public schools, and in Pennsylvania a statute provided funds for salaries, textbooks, and materials to non-public schools. Both of these statutes aided church-related educational institutions.
Decision/Justification: 8 votes for Lemon, 0 votes against
Lasting effect (precedent/significance): This case created the requirements for legislation about religion, also known as the “Lemon Test.”
Important/relevant details: This case also provided state funds in Rhode Island to increase salaries at nonpublic elementary schools by 15%. However, in Pennsylvania most of these funds were spent on Catholic schools.
Decision/Justification: 8 votes for Lemon, 0 votes against
Lasting effect (precedent/significance): This case created the requirements for legislation about religion, also known as the “Lemon Test.”
Important/relevant details: This case also provided state funds in Rhode Island to increase salaries at nonpublic elementary schools by 15%. However, in Pennsylvania most of these funds were spent on Catholic schools.
