School personnel need to learn about the outcomes of controversial education cases. Research on school law knowledge indicates that teachers and students would benefit from learning the basic principles of school law. (six references) (MLF)

Fourteen years ago in "Goss v. Lopez," the Supreme Court dealt with the procedural due process required when students are suspended for 10 days or less. Examines how case law has developed in lower federal and state courts from this decision. (MLF)

A study of federal court decisions issued between February 1969 and the end of 1982 revealed that while students do have clearly defined constitutional rights, they also have many legal responsibilities. Forty-two areas of student responsibility are discussed, and 135 relevant court cases are cited. (PGD)

In DesRoches v Caprio, federal district court ruled in favor of Jim DesRoches who had decided not to consent to a search of his backpack for a pair of allegedly stolen sneakers. Judge Robert G. Doumar decided the need to find the stolen sneakers did not outweigh the students' privacy interest and offered guidelines about school searches for stolen…

An edited version of federal district court Judge William O. Bertelsman's opinion in "Bahr vs. Jenkins" reveals his thinking on the courts' self-restraint in cases affecting school administrators' authority when disciplining students. The opinion also discusses, in an informal style, the rights and responsibilities of parties in such…

In deciding "Honig v. Doe" the United States Supreme Court held that the unilateral exclusion of a handicapped student for conduct caused by the student's disability, for a period in excess of 10 school days, constitutes a prohibited change of placement. Identifies and discusses seven unanswered questions regarding disciplining…

This article analyzes four federal court cases dealing with the use of reductive interventions to manage the behaviors of behaviorally disordered students in public schools. Definitions and principles of corporal punishment, suspension, expulsion, and timeout are outlined; and the legal status of these punishment procedures is explained.…

Discusses the major federal laws relevant to education of the handicapped and how they apply in a given discipline situation. Summarizes issues that past court decisions have clarified such as suspensions, change of placement, and termination of educational services pursuant to a long-term suspension or expulsion. Mentions important emerging…

A recent decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Arkansas centered on a vicious letter written by an 8th-grade boy about his former girlfriend and turned over to school officials. The court ruled for the school district in expelling the student for the year, without allowing him to attend an alternative school. Argues that…

To forestall sexual harassment law suits, higher education institutions should (1) adopt a position on faculty/student amorous relationships; (2) state clearly how complaints are handled and by whom; (3) actively educate faculty, staff, and students concerning sexual harassment; and (4) follow up any complaints and keep records of the responses.…

Provides an edited version of the Supreme Court opinions in "TLO v New Jersey." Includes an article delineating the new rules on student searches that have resulted from the court decision. A third article discusses questionable areas the Court decision left unclear. (MD)

This book is a compilation of the presentations delivered at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Council of School Attorneys Annual School Law Seminar on March 22-24, 2001, in San Diego, California. Presentations include: (1) "Religion and the Public Schools--What Hath the Supreme Court Wrought?" (Jay Worona and Patricia H. Gould); (2)…

One of the most difficult and time-consuming set of problems school administrators face each day has to do with student discipline. This manual provides a series of suggestions on ways that successful schools and administrators deal with discipline problems. Models and examples included are intended to stimulate and assist practicing…