An overview of legal issues that relate to education, the abundance of new laws, newly applied laws, and judicial decisions in the field of education are discussed in this practical guide for educators. A historical orientation to some of the basic legal concepts in education is provided for: full disclosure, fair practices and nondiscrimination, financial exigency, due process, class actions, and computers. Possible legal remedies and recommendations to assist in preventing litigation are suggested and recent court cases and laws are used to illustrate issues. Implementation of due process and other required legal procedures, such as timely notice and avenues of appeal, are considered in relation to employment practices, collective bargaining, admission of new students, treatment of students on campus, and funding and facilities. Recommendations are provided for each policy area. Twenty-four federal statutes relating to education are briefly annotated. Appended are the Professional Standards for Administrators in Higher Education of the American Association of University Administrators, and the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure of the American Association of University Professors and the American Association of Colleges. (Author/BH)