In the Lemon test mnemonic, what does the second 'E' stand for?

In the Lemon test mnemonic, what does the second 'E' stand for?

• A. ENTANGLEMENT
• B. EFFECT
• C. EXCLUSION
• D. EQUITY

Answer: (A)

The Lemon test mnemonic maps to three standards the government action must meet regarding the Establishment Clause. The second part of the mnemonic corresponds to the primary effect of the measure. That second E stands for Effect—the law’s primary effect must be to neither advance nor inhibit religion. In other words, its impact should be neutral toward religion. Entanglement, which is the third prong, focuses on avoiding excessive government involvement with religious institutions; that’s why it isn’t the second E. The other terms listed (Exclusion, Equity) aren’t the elements of the Lemon test.

The Lemon test mnemonic maps to three standards the government action must meet regarding the Establishment Clause. The second part of the mnemonic corresponds to the primary effect of the measure. That second E stands for Effect—the law’s primary effect must be to neither advance nor inhibit religion. In other words, its impact should be neutral toward religion.

Entanglement, which is the third prong, focuses on avoiding excessive government involvement with religious institutions; that’s why it isn’t the second E. The other terms listed (Exclusion, Equity) aren’t the elements of the Lemon test.