Examines whether the college catalog and language therein constitute a legally binding contract between college and student. Categorizes catalog litigation by cases involving dismissal, granting of degrees, tuition, admission, and course offerings. The courts appear to agree that the student-college relationship is contractual in nature and that…

Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the "Rowley" case. Discusses its implications for local school districts' assessments of which students are entitled to special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (SR)

A suit first filed by 6 publishers, then extended to a class-action suit involving 83 publishers, resulted in a ruling that photocopying whole articles from a scholarly journal without permission violated "fair use" because the copy was used to enhance archival files rather than enhance research directly. (MSE)

Review of the "Educational Law Reporter" from 1987-90 reveals a steady increase in the number of reported cases involving alleged sexual abuse of students by school employees. Study of 51 cases illustrated shows the types of legal issues involved; documents a salient problem for researchers, educators, and policymakers; and outlines future…

Describes a principal's reaction to the destruction of his career resulting from unfounded sexual harassment charges. Blackballed by the educational community, he became an excellent car salesman and author of a book on parental involvement. Advice for other administrators judged "guilty by accusation" is provided. (MLH)

In the rush to profit from patented discoveries, university officials and professors are becoming more protective of research results. Although scholars are outraged at refusals to share discoveries, some critics in industry and academe say the outcry results from greed. A standard contract is being designed to facilitate information exchange.…

History reveals that drug legalization accelerates new use and contributes to a larger population of chronic users. When states energetically enforce antidrug laws and policies, illegal drug use is reduced and eliminated. Drug use is incompatible with healthy child development and learning. Legalizing drugs is the shallowest response to the…

Two books addressing legal aspects of sports and other physical activities are reviewed. Both books note the high potential for liability in the field of sports; identify possible problem areas; and offer specific guidelines for managing the legal implications of such areas as facility management, injuries, instruction, and others. (DB)

The practices of the Overlap Group, a group of colleges that pools information to arrive at common financial-aid packages for applicants, are examined and a Justice Department inquiry is discussed. An antitrust analysis and some possible conclusions by the Justice Department or reviewing court are offered. (MSE)

A model student code is provided for use by college and university counsel in creating their own written student disciplinary codes. Commentary on each section of the model code offers practical reasons for inclusion and some suggestions on how college counsel might approach certain disciplinary issues. (Author/MSE)

Medically fragile children do not always require special education services. However, teachers need specialized training before they can teach kids accompanied by life support equipment. Boston's Project School Care advises administrators to consider four sets of procedures: administrative guidelines, plans for providing health care services and…

Notes that diagnosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to denote death sentence. Contends that AIDS is unique terminal illness in that no other single disease in history of American legal system has generated more litigation than AIDS. Examines medico-legal issues associated with AIDS-related death: estate planning,…

Sets out the legal standard to which school officials must adhere in conducting a search of students or their belongings. Offers some suggestions for school newspaper editors regarding their role in seeing that these guidelines are followed. (SR)

A study of 300 Australian principals raises serious questions regarding participants' professional knowledge of school law, given the legalized state of public education. By practicing preventive legal risk management, principals can avoid many legal problems confronting schools and, consequently, provide a physically and legally safer learning…

Reports on and discusses four decisions the United States Supreme Court issued in 1998 regarding liability for claims of sexual harassment. Discusses the school district's dual role as federally funded educational institution and as employer. Argues that the lesson learned is that schools must develop and enforce clear sexual harassment policies.…