On July 21, 1925, the “Trial of the Century” drew to a close. Schoolteacher John T. Scopes was convicted of violating Tennessee’s law against teaching evolution in public schools. The jury deliberated only briefly and then returned with their guilty verdict. The case was a “show trial” backed by the ACLU. Local attorneys were muscled out by national figures—William Jennings Bryan prosecuted; Clarence Darrow took over the defense. Though Scopes was found guilty, the mainstream press bought into Darrow’s defense of evolution. Supporters were delighted to have the public forum to introduce the controversial subject.
