Develops a taxonomy of the indirect, intentional, or unintended regulations which influence social interaction in public spaces. Suggests an expansion of the scope of communication law. Describes how the taxonomy developed through a case study of a suburban municipality, encompassing zoning laws, penal codes, minimum drinking and driving ages, and…

Provides an example of procedures to be followed when investigating a sexual harassment complaint in libraries. Highlights include preparation, including reviewing personnel files; interviewing the complainant, including sample questions; interviewing the alleged harasser; gathering information from other sources, including third-party witnesses;…

Superintendents who are knowledgeable about the law, understand its application to school operations, and provide ongoing training of site administrators are less likely to be mired in threatened lawsuits. The school attorney should be a valued, but not pivotal resource driving administrative decision making. Legal basics (including pitfalls)…

Selective abortion of fetuses with Down syndrome is discussed in terms of abortion perspectives, genetic testing, legislation, and ethical principles. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, and justice are offered as guidelines for the examination of legal standards imposed by legislation. (Author/PB)

Examines policies related to ownership or license of student-created intellectual property in Canadian universities and concludes that universities cannot claim ownership without significant legal issues. Presents recommendations to resolve difficulties. Contains 69 notes and 6 references. (JOW)

Discusses legal problems surrounding fraternity hazing by college students. Discusses criminal liability, civil liability of individual fraternity members, civil liability of alumni governing boards, institutional liability, and risk management. Contends student affairs administrators who recognize hazing offends institutional values must also…

The European Patent Convention has informed Harvard University that its application for a patent on a genetically engineered mouse may be refused. The application was the first to obtain patent protection across most of Europe for a transgenic animal, one which has been implanted with genes from another animal. (MSE)

A Nevada Supreme Court decision lifted an injunction protecting the University of Nevada at Las Vegas from National Collegiate Athletic Association sanctions but let a lower court decide whether to uphold a 1977 injunction barring suspension of the university's basketball coach. The future course of events is unclear. (MSE)

Management attorneys, from different law firms, outline the potential constitutional pitfalls involved in drug testing public employees, and then set forth the factors that most likely will support the validity of testing programs and that are consistent both with employee dignity and the Constitution. (MLF)

Describes the case of Casey Jesson, a hyperactive child ordered by the state of Hew Hampshire to ingest Ritalin or forego a public education. Despite adverse side effects and the perils of drug dependency, there is greater parental and educator acceptance of Ritalin than ever before. Scientologists are sparking an anti-Ritalin campaign. Includes…

An examination of disciplinary guidelines indicates that school officials are held to a higher standard of proof in disciplinary proceedings involving students with disabilities. Principals have considerable leeway for short-term disciplinary exclusions, and for excluding any students bringing firearms to school. Preventive measures are best for…

Recent challenges to the tax-exempt status of private colleges and universities in Pennsylvania result from the convergence of two trends: an aging population that changes the economic balance, and a shift in case law that heretofore favored charities. If the challenges continue, higher education will feel significant negative consequences. (MSE)

Discusses the progress of anti-Hazelwood legislation, and lists the five states with student free expression laws: California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and Massachusetts. Notes that 16 states have made no attempts to counteract the ruling of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. Describes the limits of the laws existing in the five states with…

School fundraising will remain popular, despite the risk of lawsuits. The Indiana courts advise certain actions to avoid potentially hazardous situations. These include inspecting places and situations presenting significant hazards, making plans to meet anticipated dangers, and assigning competent supervisors. Superintendents can ensure greater…

The National School Safety Center pegs the number of gun-toting U.S. students at 100,000. Unless metal detectors are employed as part of a carefully thought-out school safety plan, their use is likely to be ineffective, controversial, and a legal minefield. Random student searches are becoming common. A sidebar describes a Washington, D.C., junior…