Litigation concerning Alabama's vestiges of a racially dual system of higher education has advanced to an appeal by the plaintiffs to the United States Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals establishes a dual standard for black judges and white judges hearing desegregation cases. (MLF)

The Supreme Court issued an unclear decision in "Wygant v. Jackson Board of Education." The case generated five opinions that do not agree on a single set of legal principles to give needed guidance to public officials. Includes discussion of two other cases relating to affirmative action and hiring practices. (MD)

Three federal court decisions dealing with use of public university and public school facilities for student religious activities are outlined. The court decisions illustrate a "capriciousness" in the application of the "public forum" and "impressionable youth" issues and leave many questions unanswered. (MD)

Concludes that newsmagazines leave a lot of Supreme Court decisions unreported, concentrating on "major" decisions, particularly those dealing with the First Amendment. (FL)

In "Crockett v. Sorenson" a voluntary public school Bible class was found unconstitutional because of sectarian control of the program, and guidelines for a constitutional Bible course were suggested. "May v. Cooperman" ruled against the constitutionality of the moment of silence, a question not yet addressed by the Supreme…

If a suit is brought as a class action, either plaintiff or defendant may move to uphold or challenge class certification. If neither does so, the court decides whether the action may be maintained as a class suit. Prerequisites for class certification from Rule 23 (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure) are explained. (TE)

An analysis of the legal issues dealing with mass media today. Topics covered are media ownership, fairness doctrine, federal policy and fine arts, free press/fair trial, and confidentiality of news sources. The latest court decisions and their implications are discussed along with each topic. (HB)

Tracing the development of school library controversies involving book removals, this article examines federal court cases including the Supreme Court's split decision in "Board of Education v. Pico." Outlined is how First Amendment principles have been used in the resolution of these cases. (MD)

Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in "San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez," handed down 10 years ago, concerning financial equity in the Texas school finance program. Summarizes Justice Powell's majority opinion and Justice Marshall's dissent and introduces the two following articles assessing the decision's…

John Coons, coauthor of a book on equity in public education finance that influenced the theories tested in "San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez," discusses the issues involved in the case, the likely impact had the decision favored the plaintiffs, and the future of school finance reform. (RW)

Reviews cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Issues identified that are of importance to American educators include censorship, discrimination, busing, unions, and educational malpractice. (GC)

Reviews court cases and current issues involving nonverbal communication and the First Amendment. Concludes that many modes of nonverbal expression have won a firm place under the umbrella of protection of the First Amendment but that some modes (flag and draft card burnings, economic boycotts, and coercive persuasion) still raise troublesome…

The equal protection clause permits gender classification and discrimination and cannot support a broadening concept of sexual equality. An equal rights amendment is needed to remedy the situation. Available from Rutgers School of Law-Camden, 5th and Penn Streets, Camden, NJ 08102. (Author/IRT)

The holding that an employee could pay the equivalent of her union dues to a charity signifies an acceptance of accommodation and tolerance for differing religious practices in a pluralistic society. Available from Tennessee Law Review Association, Inc., 1505 W. Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37916. (Author/IRT)

Describes the background and outcome of a court case testing the right of a high school committee to bar an anthology from the school library. (CMV)