What role did John Scopes play in the context of the Butler Act?

John Scopes played a significant role as a high school biology teacher whose trial became a pivotal case in the debate over science and religion in education. The Butler Act, enacted in Tennessee in 1925, prohibited the teaching of human evolution in public schools. Scopes, through his decision to teach evolution, actively challenged this law, which led to his arrest and subsequent trial, known as the Scopes Monkey Trial.

In this context, Scopes became a symbol of the conflict between modern scientific understanding and traditional religious beliefs. His trial attracted widespread media attention and public debate, illuminating the tension in American society over educational curricula and the separation of church and state. The trial not only tested the Butler Act but also raised questions about academic freedom and individual rights, making Scopes a key figure in this significant historical moment.

This focus on the implications of Scopes' actions and the resultant trial underlines why his role is best encapsulated as that of a test case involving the Butler Act.