This fifth chapter of "The Yearbook of School Law, 1986" summarizes and analyzes state and federal court decisions handed down in 1985 involving claims of torts (civil wrongs, other than those involving breach of contract) committed by elementary or secondary educational institutions or personnel. Among the topics reviewed are claims of negligence (particularly negligence resulting in injury to students); defenses against claims of negligence (including governmental and statutory immunity); claims of educational malpractice; cases involving liability insurance and workers' compensation; and claims of defamation and of assault and battery. Other cases before the courts involve interference with contracts, products liability, and constitutional torts. (PGD)