M-NCPPC v. American Humanist Association

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission v. American Humanist Association is a freedom of religion case about a local government’s display and maintenance of a 40-foot tall cross on public property that was established in memory of fallen World War I soldiers. The case presents a great opportunity for students to explore the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The case was argued on February 27, 2019, and decided on June 20, 2019. 

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Case Summary

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission v. American Humanist Association (Note: you will be prompted to create a Street Law store web account in order to download this free case summary.)

Case Briefs

• Petitioner: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
• Respondent: American Humanist Association, et al.
• Amici: Available on the SCOTUSblog page

Oral Argument

• Transcript and audio

Decision

• Link to decision on Supreme Court's website

News Articles and Resources

• Supreme Court will take case on constitutional challenge to Maryland’s Peace Cross (The Washington Post)
• Justices to consider constitutionality of cross-shaped war memorial on public land: In Plain English (SCOTUSBlog)
• Supreme Court to hear Legion’s case on Bladensburg Veterans Memorial (The American Legion)
• American Humanists Will Defend Church State Separation at the Supreme Court (American Humanist Association)
• Podcast: The Bladensburg Peace Cross Case (National Constitution Center)

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Click on the photo below to view images of the cross and surrounding monuments in Veteran Memorial Park: