The defendant in the so-called 'monkey trial' was John T. Scopes, a high school science teacher in Dayton, Tennessee. The trial, officially known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, took place in 1925 and centered around the teaching of evolution in public schools.

Scopes was charged with violating the Butler Act, a Tennessee law that prohibited the teaching of any theory that denied the biblical account of the creation of man. The trial became a national sensation, with renowned lawyers Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan facing off in a courtroom battle that pitted science against religion.

Despite being found guilty and fined $100, the 'monkey trial' brought national attention to the debate over the teaching of evolution in schools. It highlighted the tensions between the theory of evolution and the religious beliefs held by many Americans at the time.

For more information on the 'monkey trial' and the key players involved, you can visit History.com. This website offers a detailed overview of the trial and its significance in American history.

Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about the legal aspects of the case and the arguments presented by the prosecution and defense, you can check out Cornell Law School's Supreme Court Collection. This resource provides access to the full text of the Supreme Court decision in the case.

In conclusion, John T. Scopes was the defendant in the famous 'monkey trial' that brought the debate over evolution and creationism to the forefront of American society in the 1920s. The trial remains a landmark moment in the history of science education and the separation of church and state in the United States.

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