Cyberbullying has been identified by school leaders and researchers as one of the most serious adverse consequences of incorporating information technology into the classroom. This article examines the legal status of cyberbullying by conducting an analysis of selected federal appellate court opinions. This analysis identifies a set of legal…

Public school leaders often find themselves caught between groups with passionately held--but widely varying--views regarding the appropriate role for religion in public schools. Tensions are heightened by the growth of well-funded special interest groups inclined to litigate anywhere a test case arises. By reviewing the most recent judicial…

A superintendent's decision to stop presentation of a high school play was upheld by the court over a challenge that the students' First Amendment right of expression had been unconstitutionally abridged. The case has implications for other cases involving student First Amendment claims. (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)

A copyright infringement suit involving duplication of material for classroom use without permission or acknowledgement and related cases are discussed with reference to the fair use privilege, the Copyright Act of 1976, and congressional guidelines. Generally, fair use has been rejected as a blanket defense in classroom copying. (MJL)

Two recent cases in which federal courts held plaintiffs liable for defendants' attorney fees illustrate the courts' impatience with students and parents lodging suits judged frivolous. The conclusion is that, while school authorities must remain sensitive to students' constitutional rights, caution is urged in taking complaints to federal court.…

Reviews United States Supreme Court and Federal Appellate Court decisions on student and teacher rights, particularly due process (procedural and substantive) rights. (PKP)

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…

Reviews several retention-related federal court decisions and suggests 10 best practices that school administrators can use when considering or implementing student-retention policies. (Authors/PKP)