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

Through partial grants, the fund ended up involved with legendary American court cases like the Scopes trial, the Ossian Sweet trial, Brown vs.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

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

From Salon • Jul. 16, 2025

The ensuing Scopes trial subsequently became the subject of a landmark film named “Inherit the Wind.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 9, 2021

Toni My thought is it’s like the Scopes trial.

From New York Times • Aug. 25, 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