The Scopes Trial was important because it talked about the classic ethical issue of should we teach creationism in schools. John Scopes was a science teacher in Tennessee. At the time, teaching evolution in school was against the law, but Scopes taught evolution regardless of the law. He was put on trial, where each side was represented by a famous attorney, against Scopes was William Jennings Bryan, and representing Scopes was Clarence Darrow. Scopes was found guilty and fined $100, but this verdict was later withdrawn.