Engel v. Vitale (1962)

• Short Summary: The New York Board of Regents had authorized that at the beginning of each day, a short but voluntary prayer would be recited. Several organizations filed suit against the Board of Regents, claiming that the prayer violated the Constitution. The New York Court of Appeals dismissed their arguments.

• Constitutional Issue: This case was significant and interesting because this prayer was both voluntary and non-denominational. However, the organizations filed suit based on a violation of the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, which states that a law could not be made “respecting an establishment of religion.” 

• Holding and Constitutional Principles: The court held that states could not hold prayers in public school EVEN IF it was voluntary and EVEN IF the prayer did not adhere to a specific religion. Because the act of prayer was considered a religious activity, having it occur in a public school (which is funded by the government) would go against the establishment clause of the first amendment. Unconstitutional.

  • Main Idea? School sponsorship of religious activities = violation of first amendment

How did the balance of power between national and state governments change based on interpretations in Engel v. Vitale?

Strengthened the authority of the federal government relative to the states. Limited state power, federally protected individual rights, expanded federal jurisdiction, and clarified separation of powers.