County of Allegheny v. American Civil Liberties Union, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter (1988)
- Docket
- 87-2050
- Decided
- 1988-01-01
Summary
Question: Did the public displays violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment? Conclusion: In a 5-to-4 decision, the Court held that the creche inside the courthouse unmistakably endorsed Christianity in violation of the Establishment Clause. By prominently displaying the words "Glory to God for the birth of Jesus Christ," the county sent a clear message that it supported and promoted Christian orthodoxy. The Court also held, however, that not all religious celebrations on government property violated the Establishment Clause. Six of the justices concluded that the display involving the menorah was constitutionally legitimate given its "particular physical setting."