Scopes trial

Cultural  

1. The trial of John Scopes, a high school teacher in Tennessee, for teaching the theory of evolution in violation of state law. The trial was held in 1925, with eminent lawyers on both sides — William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution and Clarence Darrow for the defense. Although Scopes was convicted, he was given a nominal fine, and the outcome was widely seen as a victory for Darrow.

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At the time, many saw the Scopes trial as a sign of deep conflict between science and religion.

Example Sentences

A century after the Scopes trial, it seems we might not have learned that much at all.

From Salon • Jul. 16, 2025

It’s true that fundamentalism became less assertive after the Scopes trial, but it hardly went away.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2020

Tennessee, home of the Scopes trial, passed a comparable law in 2012.

From New York Times • Nov. 19, 2017

It was home to the legendary 1925 Scopes trial of a teacher on charges of illegally teaching evolution in school.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2016

Recognizing Sunday’s popular appeal, Bryan attempted to bring him to Dayton for the Scopes trial, although Sunday politely refused.

From Textbooks • Dec. 30, 2014