Abington+School+District+v.+Schempp

=__**Abington School District V. Schempp:**__=

**February 27, 1963 - June 17, 1963**
This case is about the bible reading in Pennsylvania public schools. At the beginning of their school day, students are required to read at least 10 verses from the Bible. After doing so, they were required to recite the Lord’s Prayer. Students could only be excused from this by a signed note from their parents to the school.

__**Case Basics**__
142
 * Docket No.**

Schempp
 * Appellee**

School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania, et al.
 * Appellant**

Murray v. Curlett, No. 119
 * Consolidation**

Warren Court (1962-1965)
 * Decided By**

374 U.S. 203 (1963)
 * Opinion**

February 27-28, 1963
 * Argued**

Monday, June 17, 1963
 * Decided**

__**Conclusion**__

 * Decision:** 8 votes for Schempp, 1 votes against
 * Legal provision:** Establishment of Religion

These required activities intruded on the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, because the readings were religious ceremonies and were intended to be so.

Justice Clark argued that the ability for a parent to excuse a child from these readings was irrelevant, because it didn’t prevent the school from violation the Establishment Cause.

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