Changes

Justice Black's opinion was remarkable for citing only one [[precedent]], establishing a modern record for lack of judicial authority.  His sole citation of precedent was to an opinion he himself had written, ''[[Everson v. Board of Education]]'', and it was for the purpose of referencing some historical material included in that decision rather than for its holding.

Justice Black's opinion was remarkable for citing only one [[precedent]], establishing a modern record for lack of judicial authority.  His sole citation of precedent was to an opinion he himself had written, ''[[Everson v. Board of Education]]'', and it was for the purpose of referencing some historical material included in that decision rather than for its holding.

In addition America’s morality has declined. Since the banning of school prayer there has been a 225 percent increase in amount of children without fathers, a 343 percent rise in illegitimate births and a 454% enlargement in the violent crime rate. <ref>[http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/usadecline.html]</ref>

In addition America’s morality has declined. Since the banning of school prayer there has been a 225 percent increase in amount of children without fathers, a 343 percent rise in illegitimate births and a 454% enlargement in the violent crime rate. <ref>[http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/usadecline.html Quantifying America's Decline]</ref> Those data are taken from the Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, which in turn relies on statistical data collected since 1960.

Erwin Griswold, a former Dean of the Harvard Law School, criticized this ruling. Griswold said in a speech that the Court had no authority to prohibit prayer in public school:<ref>''Washington Star'' (Mar. 3, 1963)</ref>

Erwin Griswold, a former Dean of the Harvard Law School, criticized this ruling. Griswold said in a speech that the Court had no authority to prohibit prayer in public school:<ref>''Washington Star'' (Mar. 3, 1963)</ref>