In "Mozert," fundamentalist parents claim that the reading curriculum interfered with their right to transmit religious values to their children. The district court fashioned an excusal scheme; however, the Sixth Circuit reversed this decision. Reviews the facts, analyzes points of law left unresolved, and discusses the broader…

Illustrates how the Supreme Court has been divided in its 1989 decisions on affirmative action. Reviews the following cases: City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co.; Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins; Wards Cove Packing Company, Inc. v. Antonio; Martin v. Wilks; Lorance v. AT&T Technologies, Inc.; Patterson v. McLean Credit Union; and Jett v. Dallas…

In "Zobrest," the Supreme Court ruled in favor of public financing of a sign language interpreter for a profoundly deaf student at a sectarian school. Briefly describes the three sets of legitimate and competing claims. (75 footnotes) (MLF)

In "Lee," the Supreme Court held that prayer directed by a school official at graduation ceremonies was unconstitutional. Examines "Lee" and two subsequent decisions by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals: "Jones v. Clear Creek ISD" allowed prayer initiated by students; "Doe v. Duncanville ISD" prohibited a…

In "Zobrest," the Supreme Court held that a public school may provide an interpreter to a deaf student attending a parochial school. Examines the "Zobrest" decision and the interplay between special education and the Establishment Clause, and provides an analysis of the issues left unresolved by the "Zobrest" opinion.…

Gives background information on 12 famous litigators who each influenced the future of the judicial system and transformed the United States into what it is today; included, among others, are John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Thurgood Marshall, Daniel Webster, and Clara Shortridge Foltz. (CMK)

In the July 1999 issue of this journal (EJ 591 141) Philip T. K. Daniel and Kyle Edward Timken contend that the Fifth Circuit "Hopwood" decision overstepped its authority by rejecting Justice Powell's opinion in "Bakke." Introduces article by Michael Rosman (EA 537 542) that takes strong issue with Daniel and Timken contending…

Explores higher education institutions' legal obligations to accommodate students with learning disabilities and the courts' review of those accommodations. Lists suggestions for responding to accommodation requests, and in defending claims asserted by learning-disabled students. (Contains 182 references.) (MLF)

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's ruling in a Massachusetts case involving an AIDS awareness program. Disagrees with ruling that the defendants had not violated the plaintiffs' federal rights and contends that parents should have the right to remove their children from a one-time performance that is not part of a…

Explores when district courts supervising a desegregating school district should authorize virtually integrated classrooms. Discusses the Internet and how its communication abilities and resources are used in the classroom. Argues that using the Internet to create virtually integrated classrooms can help eliminate the effects of racial segregation…

Discusses Louisiana case wherein a federal district court judge ruled that an elementary principal violated the Establishment Clause by distributing Bibles to students. Includes Supreme Court's three-part "Lemon" test to determine if government practice violates the Establishment Clause. (PKP)

Describes 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in "Cockrel v. Schelby County School District," involving a fifth-grade teacher's claim that she was unlawfully terminated for teaching a unit on the industrial use of hemp, thus violating her First Amendment right of free speech. (PKP)

Argues against corporal punishment in schools; rebuts claims in earlier article regarding level of public approval for corporal punishment, number of times imposed, and its use and acceptance by states and school districts. Uses social-science research and case law to illustrate negative impact of corporal punishment and policymakers' decreasing…

Fragmented federal court decisions about graduation prayer and the strong public interest in this issue call for the Supreme Court to step in to clarify the law. Summarizes court decisions on this topic. (MLF)

In some ways America's response to the murderous surprise attacks of September 11, 200l, resembled that of previous wars. The nation was mobilized and its military directed to hit back as soon as possible. Unlike past wars, however, the enemy proved to be a shadowy terrorist organization with a religious identity, a long-term strategy, and no…