Was John Scopes aware that teaching evolution was illegal?

Answer 1

Scopes was, in fact, unable to recall whether he had actually taught evolution at all. However, the book he was required to teach from, a book that was mandated by the state, did address the subject of evolution. In effect, the state required teachers to break the law by making them use a book that violated the Butler Act. Scopes saw the indictment as an opportunity to bring the matter to the attention of the public, and encouraged his students to make statements against him.

Answer 2

Yes, John Scopes, a high school teacher, was aware that teaching evolution was illegal in Tennessee when he included it in his lesson. Scopes intentionally challenged the law in a famous trial known as the Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925.