Examines several recent decisions of the more conservative and constructionist Rehnquist Supreme Court. Discusses those judgements that challenge the regulatory power of the federal government. In separate cases concerning mandatory retirement of state judges and regulating toxic waste clean-up, the high court ruled in favor of state control. (MJP)

Asserts that freedom of speech issues were among the first major confrontations in U.S. constitutional law. Maintains that lessons from the controversies surrounding the Sedition Act of 1798 have continuing practical relevance. Describes and discusses the significance of freedom of speech to the U.S. political system. (CFR)

Urges returning to the original federalist debates to understand contemporary federalism. Reviews "The Federalist Papers," how federalism has evolved, and the centralization of the national government through acts of Congress and Supreme Court decisions. Recommends teaching about federalism as part of teaching about U.S. government…

This monograph analyzes contemporary legal controversies concerning religion, the states, and the schools and the interface between law and education. The introduction provides an overview of issues treated in the following seven chapters and includes a series of tables that place recent controversies in the historical context of prior U.S.…

The relationship between public schools and their employees is one of the most frequently litigated aspects of American education. Accordingly, the chapters in this text present a comprehensive and current report of legal issues in public school employment. Chapter titles and authors are as follows: (1) "Critical Elements of the Employment…

A wide variety of contemporary legal issues are addressed in the 15 separate papers that make up this volume. The introductory chapter by William C. Bednar, Jr. provides a broad-based rationale for "Preventive School Law." Chapters 2 and 3, both by Gerald A. Caplan, review "Current Issues in Reduction-in-Force" and "First Amendment Claims by…

The application of constitutional doctrines to controversies involving higher education institutions and legal theories emanating from the Supreme Court are discussed. The historical review covers academic freedom at colleges, or freedom from political interference of of outside intervention: freedom of speech or association in colleges and…

Matters of legal liability that are of concern to institutions of higher education are discussed in some detail in language for the layman. Among the subjects discussed are: the development of charitable corporations, and immunity prerogatives; the traditional bases of legal liability; liability for the new torts, including violation of…

Presents a lesson plan on federalism that involves the class researching constitutional issues and inviting local officials to debate these issues. Students conduct a question-and-answer session afterward utilizing their research. Includes a list of proposed issues. (MJP)

The review of court cases decided in 1990 relating to higher education summarizes litigation concerning institutional powers, First Amendment law, search and seizure on campus, tort liability, institutional contracts, immunities, access to records, funding for institutions and students, employment practices, academic and disciplinary decisions,…

Provides a lesson for middle school students, examining the expansion and contraction of civil rights in response to sociopolitical developments. Suggests that students review voting rights extensions and analyze case studies involving students' freedom of speech. Lists topics for student research on a variety of free speech issues. (CH)

Presents court briefs for three separate constitutional issues: the individual right to die as tested in the "Cruzan v. Missouri Department of Health" case; constitutional rights and drunk driving; and student religious clubs' right to meet at public schools in accordance with the Equal Access Act of 1984. Analyzes court opinions and…

This monograph reviews the law applying to defamation issues, cites various judicial decisions that affect colleges and universities, and offers guidance for minimizing the risk of defamation liability. It defines the two subclasses of defamatory statements: first, libel, which is a recorded or printed statement, and second, slander, which is…

This volume presents an analysis and synthesis of the opinions of the Supreme Court explaining judgments that have directly decided education matters and those that have had substantial impact on public education policies and procedures even though the parties to the suits were not connected with public education. The chapters are structured…

The purpose of this lesson packet is to raise issues about student rights of free expression in public schools. Included are preparatory reading material and two classroom simulation activities. The lessons are based on the U.S. Supreme Court case of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, in which a Missouri high school principal and school district were sued by…