County of Allegheny v. American Civil Liberties Union, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter
United States Supreme Court
492 U.S. 573 (1989)
Relevant factsFree
Allegheny County (defendant) placed a nativity creche, standing alone with no secular accompanying objects, on the Grand Staircase of its courthouse, and separately placed a Chanukah menorah just outside a different building alongside a Christmas tree and a sign saluting liberty; the ACLU (plaintiff) challenged both displays, and the district court upheld both while the court of appeals found both unconstitutional.
IssueFree
Whether the state may publicly display religious depictions that promote religion without violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.