Recent Supreme Court decisions are discussed. Included are cases dealing with the powers of police to make arrests and conduct searches without first obtaining warrants, criminal law and procedure, equal rights for women, prison conditions, nuclear power plans, and the tax-exempt status of private schools. (RM)

Uses a discussion of the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment and a case study entitled "Search and Seizure at a Rock Concert" to teach secondary students about privacy, property, and justice. Examines exceptions to the Fourth Amendment and describes "probable cause" as it relates to searches. (GEA)

Presents a six-step model to help teachers develop curriculum related to the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure). The model focuses on determining values and attitudes, defining valid and unreasonable search and seizure, recognizing a valid warrant, and using film to teach about search and seizure. Journal available from the American Bar…

The Fourth Amendment search and seizure law is one of the most technical and difficult areas in all of law to understand. Some Fourth Amendment Supreme Court cases are discussed. (RM)

Presents a lesson plan for teaching about gangs and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a handout and discussion questions and identifies sources for further reading. (SG)

Presents an essay examining homeless shelter residents' freedom from unreasonable searches. Reviews the historical background of the Fourth Amendment's ban on unreasonable search and seizure. Explores factors considered when determining what is "reasonable." Analyzes the concepts of standing, what constitutes a home, and consent.…

"Honest Mistakes and the Exclusionary Rule" (D. Morris; J. Sullivan) outlines an activity designed to capture students' interest in drug search and seizure issues. "Drug Testing: Is It Constitutional?" (C. Hankins) presents a lesson which addresses these same issues by focusing discussion and role playing upon the…

How the law deals with the question of "Should students have rights in school?" is examined. One specific area of possible rights in schools--the question of searches of students by school officials--is discussed in depth. (RM)

Examines the role of the friend of the court, ("amicus curiae"), by discussing the filing of a brief in a drug testing case currently under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court. Explores the issue of drug testing for employment; suggests possible outcomes; and provides 10 discussion questions for use with students. (KO)

Presents a lesson plan for grades 4-6 which illustrates the concepts of privacy, property, and search and seizure. Calls upon students to recognize that individual property and society's need for security may conflict. Uses seven cases to help students learn and identify legal search and seizure procedures. (GEA)

Questions whether school officials are justified by the Fourth Amendment in searching students and/or student lockers in public schools. Various case studies are discussed as examples to consider in deciding about responsibilities, powers, and limitations of school officials, and in determining student rights. Journal availability see: SO 507 249.…

The Supreme Court ruling that public school officials can search a student is examined. Two upcoming Supreme Court cases regarding whether a school board can refuse to hire a homosexual teacher and the constitutionality of an Alabama law that allows for a minute of silence for voluntary prayer or meditation are also discussed. (RM)

Provides a moot court activity in which secondary students re-enact the U.S. Supreme Court case "California v. Greenwood," concerning the exclusionary rule and the privacy of a citizen's trash. Students role-play Supreme Court justices and attorneys to gain an understanding of how appellate courts operate. (LS)

Centering around a role-play simulating the search of students suspected of possessing illegal drugs, this lesson focuses on students' rights as related to the Bill of Rights. Calls upon students to argue landmark cases involving students' rights to enhance critical thinking skills. (GEA)

Presents a student- and community-produced assembly program in which several Supreme Court cases are reenacted. Focuses on student rights concerning search and seizure, freedom of speech, and freedom of of the press. Provides a 40- to 50-minute script with roles for narrators, administrators, police officers, reporters, lawyers, and students. (CH)