School districts have broad discretion in using school facilities as they see fit, even for activities not specifically connected to the educational program. However, selective discrimination between public groups, employee groups, or religious groups is not permitted by legal authority. (SI)

Examination of four recent special education court cases suggests that the courts favored the simple lines of reasoning over the complex. (MLF)

Examines recent lower court rulings on students' First Amendment rights. The current disputes center on (1) requiring the flag salute; (2) banning symbols; (3) removing books from the curriculum; and (4) preventing the distribution of publications. Projects the Supreme Court's position should the issue again reach that level. (MLF)

An annotated outline of reported court decisions on special education issues are grouped in the following operational sequence: (1) diagnosis and placement; (2) treatment issues; (3) financial issues; and (4) gifted students. (MLF)

An annotated outline provides recent case law in special education since the last update in volume 56 of this journal. Based on the 1990 amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA), references are in the form of the acronym for its new title, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (MLF)

Traces the interplay among three federal statutes that serve as legal bases in special education suits with attention to two interrelated issues: (1) whether attorneys' fees are available; and (2) whether the Education for All Handicapped Children Act is the exclusive avenue. (MLF)

Legal disputes concern limiting access of sales demonstrations to student residence halls. Court cases argue the regulation of commercial speech, the rights of sales demonstrators on campus, the university's censorship of demonstrations, and student privacy and association rights. (SI)

In "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier," the Supreme Court ruled that school authorities could control a student newspaper. This article summarizes the facts surrounding "Hazelwood," and outlines the lower court decisions, the conflicting views of the Court justices, the questions it leaves unresolved, and its implications…

The United States Supreme Court decision in "Honig v. Doe" precludes school officials from unilaterally excluding special needs children who become disruptive. School officials may use disciplinary procedures applicable to all students or seek judicial relief to obtain alternative placements for handicapped children. (MLF)

Due to an error made in printing Professor Zirkel's "Special Education Law; Recent Developments" in Volume 48 (October 13, 1988), these updates to the article are printed. Citations are organized under the following major sections: (1) diagnosis and placement; (2) treatment issues; (3) financial issues; and (4) gifted students. (MLF)

The perception of an "explosion" of education litigation expressed by federal officials and by the relevant literature is incorrect. Summarizes the findings of previous research and of the present study to answer the frequency question, and reveals findings as to United States Supreme Court decisions. (MLF)

Reviews court decisions that have considered issues associated with teachers' extracurricular duties according to: (1) rationale; (2) legal basis; (3) reasonable standard; and (4) teacher dismissal. Concludes with suggested guidelines for school officials to consider as they assign extracurricular duties. (MLF)

Handicapped students with behavioral problems that include aggression, self-abuse, or severe withdrawal are sometimes subjected to aversive reinforcement techniques. This article provides a brief overview of the attendant debate and research, followed by a comprehensive review of the legal rulings related to aversive therapy for handicapped…

A school dance in Purdy, Missouri, occurred only because a federal district court prohibited enforcement of the school board's policy barring social dancing on school property. The commentary examines that district court opinion, subsequent events in the community, the appeal, and the Eighth Circuit Court's holding in the case. (MLF)

In most cases of self-defense and defense of others, the defendant is required to affirmatively plead and prove that: (1) an apparent necessity to act in self-defense existed; (2) the force used was reasonable under the existing circumstances; and (3) the defendant had no time to resort to the law. (MLF)