Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial is a highly acclaimed NOVA documentary that delves into the fascinating courtroom drama surrounding Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District. This court case focused on the question of whether or not intelligent design should be allowed to be taught as science in school science classes. The documentary aired in November 2007 and includes interviews with the judge, witnesses, lawyers, and re-enacted scenes — cameras were not allowed in the courtroom at this time.
The documentary has received a great amount of critical acclaim since its release; Nature magazine praised it, while the National Center for Science Education described it as accurate. Variety magazine also gave it a glowing review, calling it one of the most important television projects of 2007 that “should be seen not just in every U.S. high school but in houses of worship as well”.
Despite receiving such tremendous praise, Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial has also been met with criticism from creationist and intelligent design supporters. The Discovery Institute produced a website criticizing the broadcast, while Answers in Genesis claimed that the evidence presented by scientists was fallacious. Similarly, The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) argued that the film was not balanced enough. Despite these criticisms, WKNO-TV — Memphis’s local PBS affiliate — which had initially decided not to air the documentary due to its ‘controversial nature’ reversed their decision and will air it sometime during 2008.
If you are interested in learning more about this compelling topic then we urge you to watch Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial — a powerful and eye-opening NOVA documentary that examines an important debate facing American society today!
