1925 "Monkey Trial" in the USA

90 years ago, on July 10, 1925, in the city of Dayton, Tennessee, the "Monkey Trial" began - the trial of school teacher John Scopes, who expounded the basics of Darwin's theory of evolution in class. He was accused of violating the recently adopted Butler Law in the state, which prohibited teachers from public schools and universities from denying the biblical doctrine of the origin of man. Such misconduct was punishable by a fine of $100 to $500. The defense attempted to challenge the constitutionality of the Butler Act and seek its repeal.

Scopes was found guilty and sentenced to a $100 fine. The defense appealed, and the Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the verdict because the jury did not determine the amount of the fine, and the judge himself could not impose a fine over $50, while by law the fine could not be less than $100.

The Butler Act was only repealed in 1967 as violating the First Amendment to the US Constitution. "Monkey trial" caused a huge public outcry. His move is reflected in Stanley Kramer's famous film Reap the Storm (1960).