This timeline examines the legal implications arising from the controversy over the Evolution theory proposed by Charles Darwin in 1859.Mr. Darwin concluded that mankind evolved from a process called "natural selection" challenging the biblical theory of Creationism.This theory caused a dispute with the Catholic church and the fundamentalists.Over the course of the twentieth century, many southern states proposed and passed legislation prohibiting the teaching of evolution in the public school system.The most famous case referred to as the "Scopes Monkey Trial"focused on the legitimacy of a law that prevented teachers from teaching evolution in the classroom.This court upheld the anti-evolution statute of the state of Tennessee, but only fined the teacher $100.Over the next several decades...more >> the Supreme Court took many steps to limit religious influence in schools finally validating the schools right to teach evolution.