SCOPES, ACCUSED OF TEACHING EVOLUTION, TO BE DEFENDED BY DARROW AND MALONE
Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50) On March 17, 1925, The Sunday Star reports that yesterday nationally known trial lawyers Clarence Darrow* and Dudley Field Malone** have offered their services in the defense of John Thomas Scopes*** of Dayton, Tennessee.
Mr. Scopes is charged with violation of the recently enacted Tennessee state law (Butler Act) "forbidding teaching of any theory of evolution."
The offers were accepted by Dr. John R. Neal, leading defense counsel. Dr. Neal emphasizes that the forthcoming trial, slated for the summer months, will center around the issue of freedom of teaching and learning rather than the validity of the theory of evolution.
The American Civil Liberties Union hired Dr. Neal "to test the constitutionality" of the Butler Act.
JFK+50 NOTE
The Scopes "Monkey" Trial was held July 10-25 1925 in Dayton (Rhea County) Tennessee (north of Chattanooga). It sparked a national debate on the role of science & religion in public schools. Although Scopes was found guilty & fined $100, the verdict was later overturned.
*Clarence Seward Darrow (1857-1938) was born in Farmdale, Ohio & educated at the University of Michigan Law School. CSD became famous as a high-profile advocate for trade union causes & some said he was the greatest lawyer of the 20th century.
**Dudley Field Malone (1882-1950) was born in New York City & educated at Fordham University School of Law. DFM was one of the most prominent liberal attorneys of the 1920s.
***J.R. Neal, Jr. (1876-1959) was born in Rhea Springs, TN & educated at the University of Tennessee (AB), Vanderbilt University (LLB) & Columbia University (PhD). JRN served in the TN state legislature & became known as the "Great Objector" supporting progressive causes.
SOURCE
"Darrow and Malone Aid Is Accepted For Scopes," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., March 17, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
