wisconsinvyoder

(**U.S. S.Ct, 1972)**
 * Wisconsin v. Yoder**


 * Facts:**
 * Defendant**: Sate of Wisconsin charged, tried and convicted respondents of violating compulsory-attendance law.
 * Plaintiff:** Three Families of the Old Order Amish religion and Conservative Mennonite Church (Jonas Yoder, Wallace Miller and Adin Yutzy) refused to comply with the State’s compulsory attendance law because it violated their rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments and pulled their children out of school at the end of eighth grade.

1. Does the State’s compulsory attendance law violate the families' rights to free exercise of religion.? **//Yes.//**
 * Issues/Answers:**

The First and Fourteenth Amendments prevent the State from compelling the Amish to cause their children to attend formal high school to age 16. Qualities emphasized in higher education (self-distinction, competitiveness, scientific accomplishment, etc.) contradict Amish values. Attendance in high school hinders Amish community by depriving them of the labor of their children and limit ability to instill appropriate values in their adolescents. A State's interest in universal education must be balanced against the legitimate claims of special groups of people.
 * Basis/Rationale:**

Notes: The State cites two interests in compulsory education: to create a citizenry to participate in our political system and to prepare self-supportive people. The Court agrees an additional one or two years of education will not significantly affect either of these interests