The Case of Meyer vs. Nebraska
In 1919, Nebraska passed a law banning anyone from teaching any subject in any language but English. Mr. Meyer, who was a teacher at Zion Parochial School, used a German Bible hoping that he could teach his children German, while also learning the bible. He was charged with violating Nebraska's law and he took his case to the Supreme Court. The question at hand was whether or not the law violated people's liberty by the Fourteenth Amendment. In one of the Justice's majority opinion statements, he said that the Fourteenth Amendment supports an individual's right to acquire useful knowledge, which in this case was the German language being taught.
- Second hand source acquired through Atheism.About.com
The following is a primary source obtained by Justice James Clark McReynolds who was born in Elton, Kentucky. He Studied law at the University of Virginia, and served as a professor of law at Vanderbilt University. He was later appointed to the Supreme Court by president Woodrow Wilson.
The American people have always regarded education and acquisition of knowledge as matters of supreme importance which should be diligently promoted. The Ordinance of 1787 declares, "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Corresponding to the right of control, it is the natural duty of the parent to give his children education suitable to their station in life; and nearly all the States, including Nebraska, enforce this obligation by compulsory laws.
This case was important to that time because it was one of the first cases in which the Court found that people had rights not specifically listed in the Constitution. Yet this case of Meyer vs. Nebraska is important to us today because of the impact of it. It still shows us that even though something may be law, it can still be overruled by something more powerful in the Government aspect like an amendment.
- Second hand source acquired through Atheism.About.com
The following is a primary source obtained by Justice James Clark McReynolds who was born in Elton, Kentucky. He Studied law at the University of Virginia, and served as a professor of law at Vanderbilt University. He was later appointed to the Supreme Court by president Woodrow Wilson.
The American people have always regarded education and acquisition of knowledge as matters of supreme importance which should be diligently promoted. The Ordinance of 1787 declares, "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Corresponding to the right of control, it is the natural duty of the parent to give his children education suitable to their station in life; and nearly all the States, including Nebraska, enforce this obligation by compulsory laws.
This case was important to that time because it was one of the first cases in which the Court found that people had rights not specifically listed in the Constitution. Yet this case of Meyer vs. Nebraska is important to us today because of the impact of it. It still shows us that even though something may be law, it can still be overruled by something more powerful in the Government aspect like an amendment.