Howard and Melinda discuss the theory of evolution, questioning if humans descended from worms.
Rachel Brown arrives at the courthouse, searching for Bert Cates.
Rachel attempts to persuade Bert to apologize and retract his statements, suggesting that teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in school was a mistake.
Townspeople sing hymns to welcome Matthew Harrison Brady to town, celebrating his arrival.
Act 1 Scene 2: Jury Selection and Objections
The scene opens inside the courtroom, setting the stage for the trial.
Henry Drummond begins the process of selecting the jury.
Drummond rejects a potential juror who openly states a belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible, citing potential bias.
Towards the end of the scene, the judge announces a public prayer meeting.
Drummond objects to the prayer meeting, arguing that it unfairly provides publicity to one side of the case while neglecting the other.
Act 2 Scene 1: Prayer Meeting and Confrontation
Workers prepare the setting for the prayer meeting as Matthew Harrison Brady converses with E.K. Hornbeck.
Drummond challenges the faith and beliefs of the townspeople.
Brady publicly prays for God to destroy Bertram Cates, prompting Rachel to beg him not to utter such words.
Act 2 Scene 2: The Trial's Climax
One of Bert Cates's students is called as a witness; Brady questions him about what his teacher taught regarding the Earth's formation.
The student recounts to the jury how Bert taught the class about the theory of evolution.
Brady begins a passionate, "soap-box" speech, which Drummond objects to.
It is revealed that Bert stopped attending church after a young boy drowned, and Brady declared that the boy was in hell.
Drummond calls Brady to the stand and interrogates him about the Bible.
Drummond attempts to quote Charles Darwin, but the judge disallows it, forcing him to focus on biblical interpretations.
Drummond challenges Brady, asking why God would grant people the power to think if it were to be considered evil.
They engage in a heated argument about the specific details of creation as described in the Bible.
Drummond presses Brady on the concept of the "twenty-four-hour day" in the creation story.
Brady becomes visibly frustrated during the cross-examination.
Drummond realizes that Brady does not interpret the Bible literally in all aspects.
Drummond asserts that he knows this because God "speaks" to him, to which Brady retorts, "Maybe God speaks to Darwin."
Act 3: The Verdict and Its Aftermath
Bert Cates expresses fear regarding his impending sentence.
A radio correspondent requests to broadcast the verdict live, an unprecedented event in history.
The jury announces its decision: Bert Cates is found guilty.
The judge sentences Bert to a fine of one hundred dollars.
Matthew Harrison Brady is enraged by the lenient punishment and demands a heavier sentence.
Drummond suggests that Bert will not pay the fine.
The crowd begins milling around, losing interest in Brady's continued pronouncements.
