This paper examines what is known about the link between court decisions and changing school discipline practices; proposes a variety of studies to add to knowledge in this area; and contains suggestions on ways that research findings can be used to improve the ongoing legal education of school personnel. The complex nature of some of the Supreme Court education decisions in the late 1960s and early-to-mid 1970s increased the role of legal commentators in exploring and interpreting decisions. The focus on litigation also diverted attention from other educational issues such as exploring the root causes of school unrest. School law materials need to be specialized and tailored to meet the special issues that are common to particular positions. Teachers need to learn the basic principles of school law and learn of the outcomes of controversial cases involving such issues as educational malpractice. Two tables in the appendixes summarize search and seizure and discipline cases in federal courts and state courts of appeal which were decided between 1979 and 1985. (57 references) (MLF)