Designed to assist New Jersey school districts in developing and implementing student codes of conduct, this document begins by examining the need for policy and clearly established rules, the rationale for codes of conduct, and the areas that such codes should address. Following a discussion of substantive and procedural rights and sources of school law, students' specific rights and responsibilities are detailed. A section on student rights and procedures regarding disciplinary sanctions includes information on due process; suspensions and expulsions; lowering grades and denial of credit; corporal punishment; and other sanctions. Issues commonly raised regarding student behavior outside of school and the punishment of handicapped students and of 18-year-olds are addressed, and concerns such as police in schools, drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse that are shared by schools and outside agencies are examined. A brief section on grievances and appeals concludes that each district must develop a process that is effective in light of its own needs. The final section provides an explanation of a code development process that outlines achieving broad based participation; steps in developing and drafting a code; and distribution of the code. The State Board of Education Resolution, information on finding legal cases, and a feedback form are appended. (12 references) (CLA)