Unanimous U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld the strip search of a student. Since first case was decided in 1973, no other court has been willing to uphold this highly intrusive search method. Asks why the Sixth Circuit is willing to set aside what has been the concern of the judiciary for the past several decades. (MLF)

Sets out the legal standard to which school officials must adhere in conducting a search of students or their belongings. Offers some suggestions for school newspaper editors regarding their role in seeing that these guidelines are followed. (SR)

Discusses the Supreme Court's findings affecting searches by schools in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O.," reviews earlier school search cases, and explores the factors and circumstances the courts have considered in applying the "reasonableness" standard for assessing when a school's need for maintaining order outweighs a student's…

Reviews the United States Supreme Court's findings in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O.," a case hinging on the reasonableness of a school official's search of a student's purse. Cites several issues that remained unresolved after the decision and argues that the court could have been more helpful. (PGD)

Because school lockers are potential hiding places for weapons and drugs, some schools are eliminating them. Searching student lockers on a random basis raises legal questions. Examines the legality of random locker searches based upon the guidelines for student searches set forth by the Supreme Court in "New Jersey v. T.L.O." and lower…

In "New Jersey v. T.L.O.," the Supreme Court determined that public school searches must meet a two-pronged reasonableness standard. Search must be "justified at its inception" and be "reasonably related in scope to the circumstances." Examines factors that courts have found important in applying the T.L.O. standard.…

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…

Cautions that while the decision of the Supreme Court in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O." did affirm the authority of school officials to search students under some circumstances, it did not give them unfettered authority to search students. (FL)

A decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Minnesota illustrates the difficulties schools face in deciding when and how to search a student for possible weapons or drugs. Case shows courts tend to give school officials a measure of flexibility when applying the law. Advises board members and administrators to consult with…

The United States Supreme Court's first decision on student search and seizure required that school officials have reasonable cause in conducting a search in order to enforce school rules or counter a threat to the school environment. Not analyzed was when a search will be considered intrusive. (MLF)

When school employees investigate alleged misconduct by students, they must follow school rules and federal and state laws. A school-locker search in a recent case from Indiana--"S.A. versus State"--illustrates the importance of employees and students knowing the rules governing investigations, and of specific employees being given the…

Comments on an article in the Summer 1992 issue of this journal (EJ 454 315) in which Professor J. M. Sanchez examined 18 decisions regarding student searches and concluded that the "T.L.O." decision made it possible to practically expunge the Fourth Amendment from American public schools. Introduces article by Lawrence Rossow (EA 530…

In contrast with J. M. Sanchez's article in the Summer 1992 issue of this journal, suggests that the "T.L.O." decision marks the full-fledged beginning, not the virtual end, of Fourth Amendment privacy rights of students. (MLF)

Washington's State Supreme Court held unconstitutional a secondary school's routine search of the luggage of all students participating in a school-sponsored overnight trip. Such general searches are not permitted, and schools can find other means of ensuring good student discipline. (PGD)

Argues that school administrators encounter conflicts with the Fourth Amendment when they conduct searches of high school students. Discusses the reluctance of the courts to hold school officials to Fourth Amendment standards; why the Fourth Amendment should apply nonetheless; and an analytical model of how school searches can be accomplished.…