For public school student teachers and teachers, many situations can result in judicial proceedings. Educators must understand requirements mandated upon them by the country's courts and legislatures. Student teachers must learn about the numerous legal issues possible in order to protect themselves against becoming involved in court cases. The number of lawsuits in education is on the rise. Research shows that teachers consider legal issues the third most essential area of teacher preparation. However, few teacher preparation programs offer undergraduate courses in educational law, and few studies detail legal issues that student teachers must know. This article summarizes common situations that occur in schools and related legislation, including: the Fourteenth Amendment, which provides equal protection of the law or due process; the First Amendment, which protects the right of free speech, freedom of religion, the right to assemble, and prohibition of establishment of a religion by a government body; the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable search and seizure; the Eighth Amendment, which protects individuals against cruel and unusual punishment; the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975; the Civil Rights Act; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; and compulsory attendance statutes. (Contains 17 references.) (SM)