Lemon+v+Kurtzman


 * __Lemon v. Kurtzman__** June 28, 1971

A Case Involving: **__Religion in Schools__**


 * __Background__**: Rhode Island and Pennsylvania’s laws that make aid available to church-related institutions are reviewed to see if they are constitutional.


 * __Main Issue Presented before the Court__**: Did the Rhode Island and Pennsylvania statutes violate the First Amendment clause by giving state aid to “church-related institutions”

Reasoning: Both statutes are unconstitutional. Determined a “Lemon Test” for determining whether government action is constitutional by the First Amendment:
 * Majority Decision **(All Justices in agreement):
 * 1) Government action must have a clear secular legislative purpose.
 * 2) The government’s action must not have a primary effect of either advancing or inhibiting religion
 * 3) Government action must not lead to future entanglement with religion.


 * Dissenting Opinion **: None All Justices Agree

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