This digest discusses issues related to teaching about the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It begins by quoting the amendment that protects citizens of the United States against unreasonable searches and seizures, and goes on to discuss how the understanding and interpretation of the amendment have been influenced by historical events,…

The Fourth Amendment search and seizure law is one of the most technical and difficult areas in all of law to understand. Some Fourth Amendment Supreme Court cases are discussed. (RM)

Presents a lesson plan for teaching about gangs and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a handout and discussion questions and identifies sources for further reading. (SG)

Presents an essay examining homeless shelter residents' freedom from unreasonable searches. Reviews the historical background of the Fourth Amendment's ban on unreasonable search and seizure. Explores factors considered when determining what is "reasonable." Analyzes the concepts of standing, what constitutes a home, and consent.…

Reviews the Bills of Rights' creation and rationale. Discusses the Fourth and Fourteenth amendments and analyzes their current status. Emphasizes the Supreme Court's interpretive role. Argues that reliance on the courts will eventually result in legal interpretations that reflect dominant national opinion. Urges greater citizen responsibility for…

How the law deals with the question of "Should students have rights in school?" is examined. One specific area of possible rights in schools--the question of searches of students by school officials--is discussed in depth. (RM)

This document examines the Fourth Amendment as the source of search and seizure law; drug testing of school employees; and drug testing searches of students. The United States Supreme Court case that established the two-part test to determine the legality of a student search is discussed, three separate student drug testing programs that have been…

An award-winning law student article discusses the implications of a court decision concerning the legality of student searches on campus and the need for institutions to review their policies and attitudes toward increased scrutiny of student life. (MSE)

Provides a lesson plan to involve students in classroom discussions of controversial issues. Includes such topics as the right to privacy, writs of assistance, and searching without a warrant. Provides an outline of a role-playing activity for students to use in the presentation of their arguments. (NL)

Intended as a practical legal guide for Texas educators and lawyers, this book contains three major sections dealing with several chapters on various school law topics, each prepared by Texas attorneys. Section 1, "School Boards and Superintendents," includes chapters on school board members authority and relationship with staff, the…

This monograph attempts to provide clear understanding of the standards presented by the Supreme Court in "New Jersey v. T.L.O." relative to search and seizure in public schools, and suggests practical ways of applying search and seizure law to situations in the school setting. ("T.L.O." are the initials of the anonymous…

This teacher's guide complements the student text's presentation of lesson plans on the subject of illegal drug use. The booklet begins with an explanation of the benefits of law-related education (LRE) for democratic education. The guide then outlines suggestions for handling controversy; directing discussion; organizing cooperative and small…

These materials include the script for a mock trial in which students are asked to role play the participants in a case based on the facts of New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985). The case raised questions involving a students' rights to protection against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment and schools' needs to…

Traces the application of the constitutional protection from "unreasonable searches and seizures" as it has evolved in response to public attitudes and changes in technology. Includes a synopsis of relevant cases and two lesson plans. The cases concern a police search through trash bags and drug testing for athletes. (MJP)

The Fourth Amendment protects an individual's justified expectations of privacy against unreasonable government intrusions; however, reasonable intrusions are allowed when legitimate governmental interests are served. This volume is intended to provide guidelines for school administrators on how to conduct searches and seizures in a manner…