Which landmark case established the "separation of church and state" doctrine?

The landmark case that established the "separation of church and state" doctrine is Engel v. Vitale. This 1962 Supreme Court decision addressed the constitutionality of a New York State law that encouraged a short, voluntary prayer for recitation at the beginning of each school day. The Court ruled that this practice violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another.

The significance of Engel v. Vitale lies in its articulation of the principle that government should remain neutral in religious matters. This case set a precedent that public schools, as institutions of the state, could not sponsor religious activities, reinforcing the idea of separation between church and state. It emphasized the importance of protecting individual rights to freedom of religion, ensuring that public schools do not infringe upon personal beliefs by endorsing or promoting specific religious practices.

This ruling has since shaped discussions and legal interpretations surrounding religious activities in public spaces, emphasizing the protective barrier that exists to maintain a secular government and prevent any form of religious coercion in public institutions.