Public school educators are aware that courts, over the last several decades, have played a significant role in establishing educational policy. This text attempts to address important issues in school law with an emphasis on those having an impact at the school-building level. Chapter 1 offers an overview of the sources of law and the court system in educational governance. Chapter 2 examines the extent of the state's and local school system's authority when individuals disagree with educational policy. Chapter 3 presents material regarding student rights, including freedom of expression, suspension and expulsion, corporal punishment, student searches, dress and grooming, pregnancy, education of disabled students, and extracurricular activities. Chapter 4 examines such teacher-related issues as dismissal, freedom of expression, academic freedom, drug testing, dress, employment discrimination, teacher bargaining, and political activities. Chapters 5 and 6 provide a historical perspective to the legal issues of school desegregation and the legal attacks on the adequacy of state school-finance plans. Chapter 7 addresses the extent, if any, of educator and school district liability for damages as a result of their official action or inaction. A table of cases is included. Appendices contain primers to analyzing court decisions and engaging in school-related legal research, sections of the U.S. Constitution and amendments that are most relevant to educators, federal statutes, a glossary, and an index. (LMI)