On the centennial of Tennessee's Butler Act, which banned teaching evolution in public schools, the landmark 'Scopes Monkey Trial' continues to influence modern debates about religion and science in American education.

The Butler Act, passed on March 13, 1925, made Tennessee the first state to prohibit teaching any theory suggesting humans descended from 'lower order' animals [1]. This legislation sparked what became one of America's most famous legal battles.

The resulting Scopes trial began as a publicity initiative in Dayton, Tennessee, where community leaders recruited 24-year-old teacher John T. Scopes to challenge the law with ACLU support [2]. The case drew national attention, featuring renowned attorneys William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution and Clarence Darrow for the defense.

Key trial facts:

- Approximately 1,000 spectators and over 100 newspaper reporters attended daily- The trial lasted eight days- The jury deliberated for less than 10 minutes before finding Scopes guilty- Scopes was fined $100, later overturned on a technicality

The trial's impact extended far beyond its verdict. More than 20 anti-evolution bills were defeated in other states shortly afterward [3]. The Butler Act remained in effect for four decades until its repeal in the 1960s, coinciding with successful ACLU challenges to similar laws elsewhere.

Today, the debate continues in different forms. Recent developments include:

- A 2024 West Virginia law allowing teachers to discuss various theories about universe origins- New Texas curriculum incorporating biblical references and creation story elements- A 2005 federal ruling prohibiting the teaching of 'intelligent design' as science in Pennsylvania schools [4]