Legal Definitions - scientific creationism

Scientific creationism is a belief that the biblical story of creation is supported by scientific evidence. It is a type of creationism, which is the teaching of the biblical version of the creation of the universe.

For example, some people who believe in scientific creationism argue that the Earth is only a few thousand years old, as opposed to the billions of years estimated by scientists through radiometric dating and other methods.

In 1987, the United States Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the teaching of creationism alongside evolution in public schools was unconstitutional because it lacked a "clear secular purpose." This case, Edwards v. Aguillard, illustrates the ongoing debate between those who believe in scientific creationism and those who support the scientific theory of evolution.