School personnel need to learn about the outcomes of controversial education cases. Research on school law knowledge indicates that teachers and students would benefit from learning the basic principles of school law. (six references) (MLF)

The perception of an "explosion" of education litigation expressed by federal officials and by the relevant literature is incorrect. Summarizes the findings of previous research and of the present study to answer the frequency question, and reveals findings as to United States Supreme Court decisions. (MLF)

A school dance in Purdy, Missouri, occurred only because a federal district court prohibited enforcement of the school board's policy barring social dancing on school property. The commentary examines that district court opinion, subsequent events in the community, the appeal, and the Eighth Circuit Court's holding in the case. (MLF)

The "Bishop v. Aronov" case concerned an administrator's right to prohibit a professor's religious speech during class at a public university. According to the Eleventh Circuit, the university classroom is not considered a public forum; professors as public employees may be subject to restrictions placed on their curriculum. (87…

Critically examines and responds to the persistent argument by religionists that high school graduation prayer is somehow constitutional despite "Lee versus Weisman." Addresses the loopholes advocated and concludes that the courts have clearly rejected each of them. (183 footnotes) (MLF)

Last May, the full 11th Circuit Court upheld a school board policy in Duval County, Fla., that permits graduating senior to select a student volunteer to deliver an uncensored "message" during graduation ceremonies. Argues the title, historical context, and content of the policy clearly suggest that school officials sought a way to…

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…

Despite the United States Supreme Court's decision to let stand a judgment that the New Jersey law mandating a daily minute of silence in schools violated the first amendment, the Court, when presented with a statute resulting from a nonreligious purpose, may find a moment of silence permissible. (MLF)

The United States Supreme Court's decision in "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier" affirms that school officials have authority over school-sponsored publications. How supervision of student expression is exercised will teach young people a powerful lesson in freedom of the press--or oppression. (MLF)

Explores the residential placement provision of the regulations accompanying the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Describes federal court interpretations, analyzing the criteria for distinguishing a special education residential placement from a noneducational residential placement. Suggests that courts should construe the residential…

Student-on-student violence raises important issues about how students can use the courts to redress the wrongs they suffer. Some victims file a claim in Federal court under Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code. Examines three theories of liability under Section 1983 as they relate to violence among students in public schools. (MLF)

Because school lockers are potential hiding places for weapons and drugs, some schools are eliminating them. Searching student lockers on a random basis raises legal questions. Examines the legality of random locker searches based upon the guidelines for student searches set forth by the Supreme Court in "New Jersey v. T.L.O." and lower…

Explores the background of the "Lee" case, in which the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 decision, declared that graduation prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Cites implications of the Supreme Court for future Establishment Clause cases. (54 footnotes) (MLF)

In "New Jersey v. T.L.O.," the Supreme Court determined that public school searches must meet a two-pronged reasonableness standard. Search must be "justified at its inception" and be "reasonably related in scope to the circumstances." Examines factors that courts have found important in applying the T.L.O. standard.…

An introduction by Hugh D. Jascourt and this article analyze the effects of the United States Supreme Court ruling in "Lehnert v. Ferris Faculty Association." Addresses the effect of the decision on fair-share-fee provisions in collective-bargaining agreements and its application to public-sector employees, particularly teachers. (50…