The great legal battle of the 20th century related to the teaching of Darwin's evolutionary theory in the United States was the famous Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925 in Dayton, TN. As viewers will learn in this excellent NOVA entry, the most important similar case of the 21st century may be Kitzwiller vs. Dover Area School District. In 2004, a Pennsylvania school board ordered that high school biology teachers should present the so-called “intelligent design” theory to their students as a scientific alternative to Darwinism. After being challenged by parents and faculty, the 2005 court decision—rendered by a staunchly conservative federal judge appointed by George W. Bush—not only rescinded the board's decision but dismissed the intelligent design theory as a backdoor means of inserting creationism into the curriculum. Filmmakers Gary Johnstone and Joseph McMaster's two-hour documentary clearly limns the controversy, drawing on interviews with participants on both sides of the issue (as well as the judge), comments from scientists, and re-enactments based on trial transcripts (cameras were not allowed in the courtroom). As might be expected, the outcome did not satisfy everyone, as viewers will see from a clip of Pat Robertson warning townspeople who voted members of the school board out of office that they were courting retribution by turning their backs on God. While it isn't difficult to figure out where the filmmakers' sympathies lie, Judgment Day is nevertheless an insightful account of a landmark legal battle. DVD extras include printable materials for educators. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial
(2007) 112 min. DVD: $19.95. WGBH Boston Video. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-59375-719-9. Volume 23, Issue 3
Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial
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