A survey indicates that principals, advisors, and student editors lack adequate knowledge of First Amendment precedents involving student newspapers and tend to make judgements on the basis of self-interest rather than on the law. (Author/IRT)

A survey was conducted of 260 high school principals in 48 states concerning their knowledge of communication law as it related to freedom of the press under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The survey instrument contained information concerning nine composite court cases, and respondents were asked to indicate for each case…

A test of the knowledge of 378 high school publications advisers, editors, and principals regarding First Amendment rights revealed that advisers had the most knowledge, followed by editors and then by principals. Characteristics of the most knowledgeable advisers were then identified. (GT)

A sample of high school principals, sponsors/advisers, and student editors were surveyed concerning their knowledge of communication law in relation to freedom of the press under the First Amendment. The sample of 126 schools was drawn by random numbers from 202 schools in 31 states. Related court decisions were selected and adapted into ten…

This study surveyed principals, sponsors, advisers, and student editors concerning their knowledge of communication law in relation to freedom of the press under the First Amendment. Relevant court decisions were selected and the circumstances of ten composite cases were formulated; respondents were asked to indicate, for each case, how a judge…

A questionnaire survey of 42 principals, 61 newspaper advisers, and 48 student editors from 126 secondary schools was conducted concerning their knowledge of communication law in relation to freedom of the press under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Relevant court decisions were selected and the circumstances of ten…