M-NCPPC v. American Humanist Association (2019)

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission v. American Humanist Association was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on June 20, 2019.

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments.

Case Issue:

Does a local government’s display and maintenance of a 40-foot tall Latin cross on public property, established in memory of fallen World War I soldiers, violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
• Brief of Respondent: American Humanist Association, et al.
• Amici: available on the SCOTUSblog page

Oral Argument:

• Audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court

News Articles and Resources:

• Supreme Court will take case on constitutional challenge to Maryland’s Peace Cross (The Washington Post)
• Justices to consider constitutionality of cross-shaped war memorial on public land: In Plain English (SCOTUSBlog)
• Supreme Court to hear Legion’s case on Bladensburg Veterans Memorial (The American Legion)
• American Humanists Will Defend Church State Separation at the Supreme Court (American Humanist Association)
• Podcast: The Bladensburg Peace Cross Case (National Constitution Center)

How to Conduct a Moot Court or a Mini-Moot Court:

• Classroom Guide to Moot Courts
• Mini-Moot Courts Resource Bundle and Video