Lynch v. Donnelly
United States Supreme Court
465 U.S. 668 (1984)
Relevant factsFree
Pawtucket's (defendant) annual public Christmas display combined a nativity scene with secular figures like Santa Claus and reindeer, funded by nominal ongoing maintenance costs after the initial public purchase; Donnelly (plaintiff) sued the mayor and city, and the district court and court of appeals held the display's religious component violated the Establishment Clause.
IssueFree
Whether a public display erected in conjunction with a religious holiday violates the First Amendment Establishment Clause.