Question

Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971) provides the Supreme Court with one of its most famous "three-pronged tests." Since this case, however, the Court has not used the Lemon test consistently, and the justices have not reached consensus on a definitive standard by which to adjudicate religious Establishment Clause cases. First, explain the three prongs of the Lemon test and note from which cases each originated. Then, using cases from class, explain how the Court uses this test to judge Establishment Clause cases. Next, either defend this test as an appropriate standard, or argue that another test would be better (one that you have thought of, or one that another justice supports). Be sure to cite those cases that support your argument and the rationale within them that is relevant. Finally, explain why other tests are not as good as the one you support, and why the cases that support these other tests should not be considered relevant.

Answer

*A. Varies