Engel v. Vitale Case Brief Example


The following case brief for Engel v. Vitale (1962) provides a concise and structured summary of the court case that serves as a valuable reference tool for law students and legal professionals. It allows them to review and analyze legal principles, identify key issues and holdings, and gain insight into the court’s reasoning.

By presenting cases in a structured manner, case briefs facilitate effective studying, research, and the application of legal principles to new legal scenarios. Whether used for exam preparation, legal research, or enhancing understanding of judicial decisions, case briefs are invaluable resources that contribute to a deeper comprehension of the law.

Case: Engel v. Vitale

Court:Supreme Court of the United States
Citation:370 U.S. 421 (1962)
Petitioner:Steven L. Engel, et al.
Respondent:William J. Vitale, et al.

Procedural History: Engel v. Vitale (1962)

  • The case originated in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
  • A group of parents, acting on behalf of their children, filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a prayer recited in public schools in New Hyde Park, New York.
  • The district court upheld the prayer as constitutional.
  • The parents then appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

Facts: Engel v. Vitale

The case of Engel v. Vitale arose from a challenge to a voluntary prayer recitation in public schools. The Board of Regents of the State of New York authorized a short prayer to be recited by students at the beginning of each school day.

The prayer was deemed non-denominational and voluntary, but it was still led by a school official over the public address system. The parents of ten students, including Steven Engel, challenged the constitutionality of the prayer on behalf of their children.

Issue: Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The primary issue before the court was whether the recitation of a non-denominational prayer in public schools, even if voluntary, violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Rule of Law: Engel v. Vitale

The court considered the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing or endorsing a religion.

Holding and Reasoning: Engel v. Vitale (1962)

The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, held that the recitation of the prayer in public schools violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Holding: The Court, by a majority decision, held that the inclusion of a state-composed prayer as part of a public school’s daily activities violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Reasoning: Justice Hugo L. Black, writing for the majority, provided the following key points of reasoning:

  • Separation of Church and State: The Court emphasized the importance of maintaining a separation between church and state. It held that the Establishment Clause prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting religion, even through non-denominational prayers.
  • Coercion and Influence: The Court noted that even though the prayer was labeled as voluntary, its recitation in a public school setting carried an inherent coercive element. The Court concluded that the state’s involvement in the composition and promotion of the prayer placed subtle but significant pressure on students to participate.
  • Constitutional Protection of Individual Rights: The Court recognized the importance of protecting the individual rights of students and their families to practice their own religious beliefs or choose not to participate in religious activities. The Court held that public schools must remain neutral regarding religion to respect the diverse beliefs and opinions of students.

Concurrence and Dissent: Engel v. Vitale

There were no formal written concurrences or dissents in this case. However, Justice Potter Stewart wrote a separate opinion in which he concurred with the majority’s decision but expressed reservations about the Court’s broader interpretation of the Establishment Clause.

Significance: Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Engel v. Vitale is a landmark case that significantly impacted the interpretation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The decision established a clear boundary between religion and public education, reinforcing the principle of separation of church and state. The case has had far-reaching effects on prayer and religious activities in public schools, emphasizing the importance of protecting the religious freedom and rights of students and families of diverse beliefs.

Milo Lawson

Milo Lawson is a passionate legal professional and a valued contributor to Case Brief Examples. With a deep understanding of the law and a keen eye for detail, Milo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our platform.

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