Matters of legal liability that are of concern to institutions of higher education are discussed in some detail in language for the layman. Among the subjects discussed are: the development of charitable corporations, and immunity prerogatives; the traditional bases of legal liability; liability for the new torts, including violation of constitutional rights, employment and promotion of academic staff, admission, student- and faculty-related liability and administrator and trustee problems, and other university practices involving discrimination; and forms of protection from liability, including immunity, idemnification, insurance, and legal counsel. Illustrations are drawn from recent and historical court cases. A bibliography is included. (MSE)