The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

P applied to D for vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to Wash. Rev. Code § 74.16.181 (1981). P suffered from a progressive eye condition and was eligible for vocational rehabilitation assistance under the terms of the statute. P was attending Inland Empire School of the Bible, a private Christian college in Spokane, Washington, and studying the Bible, ethics, speech, and church administration in order to equip himself for a career as a pastor, missionary, or youth director. D denied P aid stating that the D constitution forbids the use of public funds to assist an individual in the pursuit of a career or degree in theology or related areas, and on its conclusion that P's training was 'religious instruction.' P appealed and the ruling was upheld in the different administrative departments. P then instituted an action in State Superior Court for review of the administrative decision; the court affirmed on the same state-law grounds cited by the agency. The State Supreme Court affirmed as well but chose to base its ruling on the Establishment Clause of the Federal Constitution. The court stated: 'The Supreme Court has developed a 3-part test for determining the constitutionality of state aid under the establishment clause of the First Amendment. 'First, the statute must have a secular legislative purpose; second, its principal or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion . . .; finally, the statute must not foster 'an excessive government entanglement with religion.'' The court held that '[the] provision of financial assistance by the State to enable someone to become a pastor, missionary, or church youth director clearly has the primary effect of advancing religion.' The Supreme Court granted certiorari.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.