Some of the problems posed by the more significant new technologies in their relation to the copyright law are described. Included in the discussion are cable television, reprography (especially Xeroxing and comparable processes), and the computer. A federal Technology Commission is proposed. (LBH)

The "Monell" decision should make Section 1983 the primary means of redress of constitutional violations by municipalities, should permit federal courts to adjudicate pendant state law claims against municipalities, and may foreshadow Section 1983 liability for states. Available from Dennis & Co., 251 Main Street, Buffalo, New York…

Seventh Circuit cases are examined that have considered the question of whether "state action" is present as stated in section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Standards used by the Seventh Circuit to determine the existence of "state action" are also analyzed. (LBH)

Constitutional implications of the public's right to know are discussed with regard to such issues and price advertising and gag orders for the press. It is concluded that the first amendment is being overused. (LBH)

The availability of Internet access in public libraries has raised concerns about free speech rights and library liabilities. This article, part one in a three part series, examines the constitutional background for free speech and Internet provision, defining "speech" and highlighting limitations to free speech and court analysis of…

Blogging is a widely used means of communication for millions of Internet users around the world. Blogs, which are Web sites or Weblogs where entries may be posted on a regular basis, frequently serve as online diaries or commentaries and may include text, images, and links to other sources. Diaries are no longer kept under lock and key. Today's…

This booklet reviews a broad array of factors affecting the immunity of school board members from personal liability for the results of their official acts. Among the factors examined are the federal doctrine of limited immunity as it applies to state officials; the possible extension of absolute immunity to school boards; the conditions under…

Individual interest in privacy is a multiple legal issue, roughly divided into four parts according to different types of law: constitutional, statutory, administrative, and common law. Policy implications of this issue for institutions are discussed. (Editor/LBH)

Federal court answers to questions left unresolved by the Supreme Court in Griffin v. Breckenridge are examined with emphasis on the issues of civil conspiracy, the intent of section 1985(3), and Congressional power. Available from: Dennis and Co., Inc., 251 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203. (LBH)

Reviews the recent history of the Fifth Amendment focusing primarily on its use by government officials during the Iran-Contra hearings and by teachers during the McCarthy era hearings. Concludes that social studies teachers must encourage discussion of the political and philosophical issues contained in the Iran-Contra hearings. (JDH)

A board member, says the Supreme Court, must be held to a standard of conduct based on knowledge of the basic unquestioned constitutional rights of his charges. The best defense against this serious liability threat is strict attention to due process and other relevant legal considerations. (Author/LBH)

One of the most important federal statutory schemes for opening the university "black box" and for increasing access to other public and quasi-public entities is Title 42 of the United States Code, section 1983, the codified successor of the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Its implications for accountability are discussed. (LBH)

Any educator who wants to stop bullying and harassment needs to first understand the legal ins and outs of the problem. Here's a guide that provides the practical information needed to protect students and avoid litigation. Using actual court cases and school events that made major headlines, educator and attorney Kathleen Conn examines essentials…

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.…

The analysis indicates that an educational injury resulting from the deprivation of a student's constitutional right to an equal educational opportunity may prove to be a compensable wrong. Available from School of Law, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211. (Author/IRT)