As Internet-based communications and interactions by and between students and school staff become more prevalent, an appreciation of school rules for student behavior is important. Students carry electronic devices, sending and receiving communications inside and outside school, so two key questions exist regarding search and seizure of such…

School administrators are expected to balance the need for school safety and good order with the rights of students to be free of unreasonable search of their person and property. This balance can be particularly difficult when over-the-counter or prescription drugs are involved. This article summarizes a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that…

This study explores the court system's treatment of students' Fourth Amendment rights in cases emerging from contrasting minority school settings and whether discrepancies exist in case outcomes between these extremes. From virtually every search and seizure case that occurred between the 1985 U.S. Supreme Court case in "New Jersey v.…

A Supreme Court ruling of January 1985 reversed a New Jersey Supreme Court decision of March 1984, which found a student search violated the Fourth Amendment. The reversal by the Supreme Court leaves unanswered some important questions about school searches. (MD)

Four federal district court findings on the Fourth Amendment rights of college students. (Editor)

Considers how school officials face the delicate task of balancing a student's individual right to Fourth Amendment protection against their duty to provide a safe and secure environment for all students--a major challenge in cases involving intrusive searches. Discusses recent developments involving intrusive searches, previous court rulings…

College officials must understand and respect student rights when it comes to search and seizure. (Editor/HS)

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right of people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures. The privacy of individuals, including students, is therefore protected, but only after considering the interests of society. This simulated case study explores what happens when there is an alleged conflict…

It appears that university officials will be forced to recognize a student's right to privacy in a dormitory room. (PG)

Discusses how the constitutional prohibition of unreasonable search and seizure applies to searches of students and their property by school officials, as indicated by recent court decisions. Most of the cases examined were decided by state courts, since federal courts have not generally been involved in this area. (JG)

Cautions that while the decision of the Supreme Court in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O." did affirm the authority of school officials to search students under some circumstances, it did not give them unfettered authority to search students. (FL)

Discusses how to determine whether a school-related search is reasonable. Suggests 10 guidelines to avoid suits over illegal searches. Recommends that school authorities exercise extreme care to protect themselves against suits alleging Constitutional violations. (MS)

Discusses case law regarding schools and strip searches of students, and offers five generalizations regarding the matter. (SR)

Based on past court litigation, this publication summarizes students' rights concerning search and seizure, exceptions to these rights, and the legal effects of violating these rights. Administrative recommendations are made. (MLF)

Provides a model of search and seizure procedures available to public school officials and a discussion of the legal liability and risks involved in the use of the different procedures. Discusses probable cause, warrant requirements, and reasonable suspicion. Includes an appendix with a sample search and seizure policy. (MD)