A state legislature's practice of opening its sessions with a prayer offered by a state-supported chaplain does not violate the Establishment Clause. Decided July 5, 1983 (argued April 20, 1983). Opinion of the Court: Warren E. Burger → go there Dissenting: Brennan, Stevens. Applied: the First Amendment → go there Topic: Freedom of religion. Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783 (1983), is a landmark court case in which the Supreme Court of the United States held that government funding for chaplains was constitutional because of the "unique history" of the United States. Three days before the ratification of the First Amendment in 1791, containing the Establishment Clause, the federal legislature authorised hiring a chaplain for opening sessions with prayer. Wiki link