What is the Lemon Test used to evaluate?

The Lemon Test is primarily used to evaluate church-state relations and legislation concerning religion, particularly in the context of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which addresses the establishment of religion. The test was established in the 1971 Supreme Court case Lemon v. Kurtzman and serves as a guideline for determining whether a law or government action violates the Establishment Clause.

The Lemon Test comprises three criteria:

1. The government's action must have a secular legislative purpose.

2. The primary effect of the action must neither advance nor inhibit religion.

3. The action must not foster an excessive government entanglement with religion.

This test ensures that government actions do not support or favor any particular religion, thus maintaining a separation between church and state. It is vital in assessing the constitutionality of laws and actions that may intersect with religious institutions or practices, making it a significant tool in the interpretation of religious freedom and government neutrality in matters of faith.