The monograph is intended to help school psychologists understand the special procedures, techniques, and considerations necessary for providing effective courtroom interventions, specifically expert testimony and written reports. Beginning with an explanation of lay and expert witnesses, the monograph goes on to stress the importance of pretrial…

School administrators must become familiar with tort liability laws in order to protect themselves against possible negligence or defamation suits. (LH)

Teacher malpractice, defined as instructional incompetency, or failure to exercise reasonable guidance, counseling, and instructional supervision, is a critical problem. This article reviews recent court decisions favoring school districts. Principals, as instructional leaders, are cautioned about incompetent teachers and inappropriate testing,…

Changes in sports and the "sue syndrome" have increased the risk of athletic coaches being sued. Suggestions to reduce the risk involve: (1) job contracts; (2) preseason physical examinations; (3) parental consent; (4) good rapport with participants; (5) equipment safety; (6) documentation; (7) insurance; and (8) establishing priorities. (FG)

Discusses copyright issues pertaining to information use on the Internet. Topics include digital copyright interpretations; court rulings on copyright infringement; copyright advice from the Copyright Clearance Center; rights management models; technology as a solution; and developing corporate copyright policies. (LRW)

Explores sources of legal rights for students and personnel in private colleges and universities. Presents cases to illustrate the ways that federal courts have addressed campus due-process concerns at institutions accredited by the North Central Association. Concludes that due-process protections are generally lacking. (LAL)

Defines and discusses libel and slander and offers practical recommendations for counselors. Advises counselors to remember professional guidelines and implications of several important court cases dealing with this issue. Offers specific guidelines developed by the American School Counselor Association to help counselors avoid legal problems.…

An examination of two dozen recent court decisions dealing with teacher dismissal for drug-related incidents reveals that the facts of each case, not traditional guidelines, determine the legality of the action. (Author/MLF)

New approaches need to be developed to constructively join law and education without resort to constant litigation and judicial intervention. The case for "preventive law" in public education is presented and a four-step implementation procedure recommended. (Author/MLF)

Provides suggestions to help administrators and instructors examine educational policies and practices, identify foreseeable risks, and plan for the appropriate management of risks in light of recent court decisions on: proper instruction, adequate supervision of in- and out-of-class activities, and the maintenance and safe operation of…

Discusses the evolution of "fair use," the use of video in teaching, and how three leading copyright scholars interpret the use of videos. Offers interpretative conclusions about what professors can and cannot videotape for classroom purposes. (SR)

Reviews some of the legal responsibilities of public relations practitioners in the preparation of press releases. Discusses legal criteria for judging the fraudulence of press releases and discusses the timeframe for fraudulent action. Concludes with lessons that practitioners need to understand. (SR)

Basic definitions and concepts in educational liability are presented, as well as descriptions of the conditions under which early childhood special educators may be held liable for physical, educational, or psychological injury of students. Litigation is discussed. Finally, preventive measures are enumerated and legal defenses are considered.…

Educators who are also members of the bar offer advice to administrators on how to testify in court in school-related cases. (MJL)

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)