Rehnquist took no part in the consideration or decision of the case. Douglas filed a partial dissent, but voted with the court regarding Yoder's case.

Supreme Court ruled in favor of Yoder in its decision. They sincerely held to the belief that the values their children would learn at home would surpass the worldly knowledge taught in school. These men appealed for exemption from compulsory education on the basis of these religious convictions. Under Amish church standards, higher education was deemed not only unnecessary for their simple way of life, but also endangering to their salvation. Lindholm, took an interest in Amish legal difficulties from a religious freedom perspective and founded The National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom (partly as a result of this case) and then provided them with legal counsel. However, a Lutheran minister, Reverend William C. The Amish did not believe in going to court to settle disputes but instead follow the biblical command to 'turn the other cheek.' Thus, the Amish are at a disadvantage when it comes to defending themselves in courts or before legislative committees. Thereupon, Wisconsin appealed that ruling in the US Supreme Court. Thereafter the Wisconsin Supreme Court found in Yoder's favor. Each defendant was fined the nominal sum of $5. They were convicted in the Green County Court. The three families were represented by Jonas Yoder (one of the fathers involved in the case) when the case went to trial. Three Amish students from three different families stopped attending the New Glarus High School in the New Glarus, Wisconsin, school district at the end of the eighth grade because of their parents' religious beliefs. The case is often cited as a basis for parents' right to educate their children outside of traditional private or public schools. The parents' fundamental right to freedom of religion was determined to outweigh the state's interest in educating its children. 205 (1972), is the case in which the United States Supreme Court found that Amish children could not be placed under compulsory education past 8th grade. Levels: Pre-kindergarten – Primary – Secondary – Higher.Issues: Finance – Law – Literacy – Reform.

§ 118.15 (Wisconsin Compulsory School Attendance Law)

Powell and Rehnquist took no part in the consideration or decision of the case. Brennan Jr.īurger, joined by Brennan, Stewart, White, Marshall, Blackmun Supreme Court of Wisconsin affirmed.Ĭhief Justice Warren E. The Wisconsin Compulsory School Attendance Law violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because required attendance past the eighth grade interfered with the right of Amish parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children. LEXIS 144ĭefendants convicted, Green County, Wisconsin Circuit Court reversed, 182 N.W.2d 539 (Wis.

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