Discusses results of a survey sent to former legislators (representing 18 states) concerning their opinion as to why bills intended to reverse the effects of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier have met with resistance. Identifies characteristics of legislators that sponsored anti-Hazelwood legislation. Concludes that more planning was needed…

This article discusses the tricks of the trade that legislatures in formerly de jure segregated states might use to maintain racial funding disparities in existence before Brown and whether such ploys might be vulnerable to legal challenges. The first section provides an overview of modern school finance formulas and explains how legislatures in…

The use of Internet filters in public classrooms in the USA has been intensely debated, both in terms of its effectiveness and legality. The debate pits concerns to protect students from indecent material against issues of unconstitutional censorship. This paper examines the legal issues addressed in various rulings by the US Supreme Court…

This document consists of the first six issues of a newsletter, which discusses current knowledge about and concerns related to genetics and mental retardation. The second issue addresses the problem of genetic discrimination. The third issue considers genetic testing, screening, and counseling. The fourth issue addresses genetic privacy issues.…

During the last two years, New York State has made considerable progress toward opening its government to public inspection. This report discusses New York's open-records law and the creation of the Committee on Public Access to Records, a group of individuals who "interpret the law, oversee its implementation, establish procedures, and…

Rapid social changes, political turmoil, and the expanded body of school legislation indicate the need for school districts to have access to competent legal services. A permanent position of school attorney is recommended to prevent legal entanglements for the school district. A school attorney would provide routine legal services, legal counsel,…

In this report, the author discusses public employee negotiation legislation, issues and the basic law in negotiations, approaches and alternatives to bargaining, the negotiation process, and areas of special concern in negotiation. He concludes that one of the most important skills an administrator of the future might possess is a skill in…

Discusses teacher liability in the science laboratory. Cites specific court cases to illustrate points. (MA)

This is the 23rd in a series of yearly updates of judicial decision summaries for case law related to elementary- and secondary-education issues. One can use previous and future editions to track decisions on appeal or to spot trends in case law. With few exceptions, the cases were selected from court decisions found in federal and regional…

Study questions treatment services offered to children in trouble and suggests mental health services be specifically strengthened. Excerpted from Juvenile Justice Confounded: Pretensions and Realities of Treatment Services'' published in 1972 by National Council on Crime and Delinquency. (DS)

In Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California the court ruled that a psychotherapist is obliged to warn third persons of threats made against them during therapy. Substantive background of this legislation; the nature of the psychotherapeutic relationship, confidentiality, and patients' rights; and the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act are…

In Goldstein v. California the Supreme Court was asked to help eliminate unauthorized tapes, a problem in the recording industry. This article is a critical account of how, in search of a remedy, the court rediscovered state copyright law and neglected the concept of publication in copyright law. Available from: UCLA Law Review, 405 Hilgard Ave.,…

A proposed law barring public social services to illegal immigrants poses a dilemma for California colleges. It calls for state and local agencies, including colleges and universities, to report suspected violators. Opponents see the law as sanctioning racism. Fairness to students and burden on the institutions are major issues. (MSE)

Describes and compares federal guidelines and state statutes establishing rules for voluntary agreements between birth parents/other relatives and adoptive parents for enforceable post-adoption contact. Concludes that adoption with contact is a measured response to strengths and limitations of 20th-century adoption law, balancing children's needs…

A growing emphasis on teacher accountability, coupled with declining enrollments and reduced revenues, has increased the importance of teacher evaluations as a basis for staffing decisions, even though there is no clear definition of teacher effectiveness. Accordingly, legal standards are provided for the procedural and substantive issues of due…