The legal status of sex education in the public schools in the United States as it existed at the close of the 1971-72 school year was investigated. The investigation included surveys, analyses, and interpretations of statutes, significant rules and regulations of state departments of education, and court holdings as they applied specifically to…

Recounts the suicide of Nico Speijer, the "grand old man" of suicidology in the Netherlands. Contends that his case is related to ethical issues in suicide prevention. Offers a set of criteria by which to decide when suicide should not necessarily be prevented, nor its helpers punished by law. (Author/ABB)

Teaching ethical values is often challenged as an infringement on students' religious rights. This article addresses key questions concerning schools' legal responsibilities, courts' treatment of curriculum-related challenges based on alleged First Amendment violations, and courts' handling of teacher proselytizing or "opting out" cases.…

Considers the twin legal questions of, constitutional support for, and challenges against, character education in public schools. Discovers a number of court cases establishing precedence for character education. Appraises the legal efficacy of constitutional challenges and finds them wanting. (MJP)

Focusing on what policymakers cannot do, rather than on what they should do, this booklet explores the constitutional parameters of the teaching of moral values. Section 1 provides a description of the general rules for legal analysis followed by the courts when dealing with freedom of speech or religion. In the following two sections, these rules…