Unlike most school-security strategies, search and seizure procedures can be largely determined by studying landmark court cases. The U.S. Supreme Court set standards for conducting school searches in "New Jersey v. T.L.O." (1985) and for drug testing student athletes in "Vernonia School District v. Acton" (1995). School…

The issue of search and seizure in the public schools is clouded by conflicting legal decisions. School policies and rules on the issue should be made only after considerable deliberation and community input. Because of the lack of clarity, this model of search and seizure policy and rules is intended only as a basis for consideration of the…

The Supreme Court in 1985 first addressed the issue of balance between a student's right to privacy as stated in the Fourth Amendment and school officials' need to maintain safety. This chapter summarizes the case, explores the meaning of the court opinion, and briefly discusses other issues. The case involved a 14-year-old girl (T.L.O.) whose…

The legal status of college students in relationship to the institution they attend is discussed, focusing on the contractual relationship, due process, access to education, First Amendment rights, search and seizure, federal aid regulation, residency requirements for voting, and the doctrine of academic abstention in legal matters. (MSE)

Focusing on current United States Supreme Court decisions affecting the searching of students in school, this report also briefly examines the evolution of the right to education and student freedom of speech. Regarding search and seizure, since 1985 the Court has maintained that school officials are not exempt from the restrictions of the Fourth…