Aronow v. United States

In Aronow v. United States, 432 F.2d 242 (9th Cir.1970), the Court held the national motto, "In God We Trust," and the statutes requiring its placement on coins and currency, do not violate the Establishment Clause. Id. at 243. The Court reasoned: It is quite obvious that the national motto and the slogan on coinage and currency "In God We Trust" has nothing whatsoever to do with the establishment of religion. Its use is of a patriotic or ceremonial character and bears no true resemblance to a governmental sponsorship of a religious exercise. It is not easy to discern any religious significance attendant the payment of a bill with coin or currency on which has been imprinted "In God We Trust" or the study of a government publication or document bearing that slogan.... While "ceremonial" and "patriotic" may not be particularly apt words to describe the category of the national motto, it is excluded from First Amendment significance because the motto has no theological or ritualistic impact. As stated by the Congressional report, it has "spiritual and psychological value" and "inspirational quality." Id. at 243-44.