Wallace v. Jaffree

Is it constitutional to require a moment of silence at the beginning of the day in a public school? Opponents believe a "moment of silence" law is an unconstitutional attempt to bring prayer back into the public schools. They contend that in order for the law to be constitutional, it must state that the silent time be spent for meditation only and not suggest that it be for prayer. For instance, they argue that a law that allows students the opportunity for "meditation or voluntary prayer" has a religious purpose and therefore violates First Amendment rights.

Those in favor of the "moment of silence" feel that the law is constitutional epecially if it states that it is for "meditation or voluntary prayer." They argue that this makes it clearer that the child can use the time as they wish and are not being pressured to pray.