An analysis is made of the voting record of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on cases related to education and the impact of these votes. The decisions of the Supreme Court during the 1981-82 term were classified under one of seven different headings: (1) religion and the schools; (2) freedom of expression; (3) due process of law; (4) racial…

In a case concerning a teenager charged with cross burning, the Supreme Court, in a 9-0 decision, ruled that a St. Paul, Minnesota, ordinance was unconstitutional. Summarizes Justice Scalia's opinion and three concurring opinions that reflect bitter disagreement among the justices. Discusses the meaning of this decision and its implications for…

Outlines the facts of the Supreme Court 5-4 decision in "Lee" that graduation prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Summarizes opinions of Justices Kennedy, Scalia, Souter, and Blackmun. Discusses some of the legal, educational, and policy implications of the conflicting opinions. (33 footnotes) (MLF)

The Supreme Court has decided to address the facts in "Lee v. Weisman" involving the validity of graduation prayer. Reviews the opinions of the current justices regarding the role of the tripartite establishment clause "Lemon" test and concludes with a projection of the court's resolution of the "Lee" case. (73…

In "Kiryas Joel," a sharply divided Supreme Court ruled that a New York law establishing a separate school district for a group of Orthodox Hasidic Jews was unconstitutional. Outlines the unusual facts in "Kiryas Joel" and summarizes Justice Souter's opinion of the Court, Justice Scalia's detailed dissent, and the four diverse…

The chapters in this book contain a comprehensive reference to recent state appellate and federal court decisions affecting the operation and governance of public elementary and secondary schools. The chapters are: (1) "The Use of School Facilities by Student Groups for Religious Activities," (2) "Denial of Standard Diploma to…