In "Crockett v. Sorenson" a voluntary public school Bible class was found unconstitutional because of sectarian control of the program, and guidelines for a constitutional Bible course were suggested. "May v. Cooperman" ruled against the constitutionality of the moment of silence, a question not yet addressed by the Supreme…

If a suit is brought as a class action, either plaintiff or defendant may move to uphold or challenge class certification. If neither does so, the court decides whether the action may be maintained as a class suit. Prerequisites for class certification from Rule 23 (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure) are explained. (TE)

Tracing the development of school library controversies involving book removals, this article examines federal court cases including the Supreme Court's split decision in "Board of Education v. Pico." Outlined is how First Amendment principles have been used in the resolution of these cases. (MD)

Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in "San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez," handed down 10 years ago, concerning financial equity in the Texas school finance program. Summarizes Justice Powell's majority opinion and Justice Marshall's dissent and introduces the two following articles assessing the decision's…

John Coons, coauthor of a book on equity in public education finance that influenced the theories tested in "San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez," discusses the issues involved in the case, the likely impact had the decision favored the plaintiffs, and the future of school finance reform. (RW)

Reviews cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Issues identified that are of importance to American educators include censorship, discrimination, busing, unions, and educational malpractice. (GC)

Discusses two lines of case law regarding whether public schools are required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide special education and related services to parent-placed private school students on the private school site when the public schools maintain their own appropriate program. (133 footnotes) (MLF)

Interviews with Ruby Bridges Hall, Ronald Deskins, and Carlotta Walls LaNier, who were among those charged with integrating public schools after the Supreme Court's "Brown" decision. Thirty-some years later, they reflect on how far they think desegregation and American's attitudes toward racism have come in the ensuing years. (MLF)

Traces the history of "The Pledge of Allegiance" litigation and discusses the probability the Supreme Court will agree to resolve the difference in judicial opinion over the constitutionality of including the words "under God" in the pledge. (Contains 32 references.) (MLF)

Discusses Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871, focusing on "Gonzaga University v. Doe" (2001). Reviews the Supreme Court's decision, analyzes the decision as it applies to federal statutes such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and discusses future implications of the decision. (Contains 91 endnotes.) (WFA)

Analyzes recent U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in "Zelman v. Simmons-Harris," upholding the constitutionality of Cleveland's voucher program that provided public funds to private religious schools. Majority held that voucher program did not violate the Establishment Clause of the 14th Amendment. (PKP)

Sets forth and considers educational beliefs explicitly stated by the justices of the Supreme Court in major court opinions rendered in the 1980s. The justices' educational viewpoints, in general, have turned to an emphasis on control, discipline, order, authority, and the inculcation of traditional values. (60 references) (MLF)

Explores the opinions of Justice Rehnquist in issues concerning religion and public education; observes that the Supreme Court appears just one vote away from shifting church/state issues to the local level; and urges those concerned with constitutional values and public education to reexamine the Bill of Rights. (MLF)

The Supreme Court in "Lamb's Chapel" unanimously reversed federal district and court of appeals decisions that had upheld school district rules prohibiting use of school district property "by any group for religious purposes." Discusses three issues within the context of religious speech: establishment of religion, free speech,…

In "United States v.Lopez," a highly fractured United States Supreme Court, in a five-to-four ruling that generated six different opinions, affirmed that Congress had exceeded its authority in adopting the Gun-Free School Zones Act. Provides an in-depth examination of the Court's ruling and concludes with an analysis of the legal issues…