Engel v. Vitale (1962)

• There was a law in New York State that required all public schools to begin the day with a nondenominational optional prayer admitting a dependence upon God.

• A parent sued on the grounds that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

• The first amendment applies due to the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

• In a 6-1 decision, the law was ruled unconstitutional despite its optional and non-denominational nature.

• The purpose of the First Amendment is to prevent government interference with religion.