This article, written by two lawyers, defines defamation, discusses the basic law of defamation and stigma, and focuses on recent case law on this topic. The cases are only a sample of the numerous cases that school districts across the nation face on the issues of defamation and stigma. The following topics are included in the legal review: the…

To examine the status of opinion as protected speech, a study sought answers to three questions: (1) Is opinion protected under the constitution? (2) If protection exists for opinion, has it usurped the common law fair comment defense in libel litigation? and (3) How do the courts define opinion in the context of libel? Answers were sought in…

At the request of Senator John Heinz and Representative John Edward Porter, the General Accounting Office (GAO) assessed the nature of increases in the costs of medical malpractice insurance over the years, how various states have tried to deal with medical malpractice problems, and what federal and state actions may be warranted. This report…

The directory is intended to provide a selection of resources addressing major areas of interest in postsecondary education for the handicapped. General resources, such as the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, are listed and briefly summarized, followed by resources specific to the following disabilities: cross-functional…

The paper reviews the legal basis for interagency collaboration in providing services to the handicapped, notes the rationale for such an approach, and examines the obstacles encountered in an interagency intervention project for emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. The Cheltenham Project, an interdisciplinary approach featuring a…

One of the most frequently used legal defenses against the charge that a school employee or district has been negligent is contributory negligence. Contributory negligence means that the injured person failed to exercise the required standard of care for his own safety and, therefore, contributed to his own injury. (Author/WM)

Explains the new obligations imposed on school officials by federal legislation on sex discrimination under the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. (JF)

Analyzes the competing considerations in America's struggle for true equality for all its people. Areas covered include: seniority, testing, qualifications, affirmative action, and admissions. (Author/PG)

Examines Texas legislation and court cases as well as federal court cases to determine the extent to which students should be afforded constitutional guarantees. (JF)

A lawsuit charging religious and racial discrimination filed against the New York City child care system may result in extensive changes in children's services. (Author)

This cumulative index provides a listing, by topic, of the following Freedom of Information Center reports: reports 1 through 340, summary papers S1 through S38, and opinion papers 001 through 0017. Subject titles include, among many others, "Academic Freedom,""Book Censorship,""Consumer Protection,""Gag…

Examines trustee liability in light of the Stern v. Sibley Memorial Hospital decision which contains "a thorough and well considered exposition on the liability of trustees of charitable corporations as well as useful guidelines to be followed, particularly in the area of conflicts of interests." (JT)

Examines legal liability of physical educators for student injuries. (PB)

The recent minority opinion of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas is reviewed. (HMV)