The Lemon Test

The Lemon Test is a legal standard used by U.S. courts to determine if a law or government action violates the First Amendment's establishment clause, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion. Established in the 1971 Supreme Court case Lemon v. Kurtzman, the test has three criteria: the action must have a secular purpose, it should not advance or inhibit religion, and it must not result in excessive government entanglement with religion. If any part fails, it may be deemed unconstitutional. This test helps ensure a separation between government and religious activities.