Legal issues at the state and constitutional levels and associated misconceptions related to written preemployment integrity tests are addressed. Common misconceptions include the beliefs that: (1) such tests fall within the purview of state antipolygraph statutes; (2) unfair discrimination doctrines are violated by integrity testing; and (3)…

This study, undertaken in the summer of 1986, was to develop a comprehensive evaluation and needs assessment for the Alabama Judicial College. Qualitative research techniques (participant observation and in-depth interviewing) were applied to collect the necessary data. Judicial employees were observed in courtroom, office, training and social…

Three recent federal court decisions dealt with the use of public university and public school facilities by student groups for religious activities. In "Widmar v. Vincent," the United States Supreme Court decided that the University of Missouri at Kansas City was not justified in its denial of permission to a registered student…

Coverage of the New Bedford Massachusetts "Big Dan's Tavern Rape Trial" by Cable News Network (CNN) television cameras was ostensibly for educational purposes, to examine how rape victims are treated in court and how the judicial process works in general. However, the sensational nature of the trial strongly suggests that it was…

State regulation of nonpublic schools in Nebraska is the topic addressed in this paper. The paper examines recent court decisions in the state relating to this issue and also traces the progress and eventual fate of several bills introduced in the Nebraska legislature concerning waiving requirements for nonpublic schools. Nonpublic schools in…

The scenario: Pictures of children in various states of nudity are discovered in an elementary teacher's desk. What does one do? This paper offers guidance, much of it based on common sense, for administrators who may find themselves in a situation fraught with serious consequences if a mistake is made in determining the truth. Court decisions are…

This report examines the role of the standards-based reform movement in the establishment of a constitutional standard for education in New York City. Data come from testimony and research evidence collected for a recent lawsuit filed by the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc., on behalf of New York City public schoolchildren. The lawsuit charges…

Students, parents, and organizations concerned with education challenged New York State's funding of New York City's public schools. The plaintiffs, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity and others, asserted that the state failed to ensure that New York City's public schools received adequate funding to afford its students the sound basic education…

In reviewing court cases in education, the author focuses on the interrelationships among judicial decisions, educational administrators' prerogatives, and the economic welfare of public education. Cases are drawn from the areas of racial segregation, handicapped and bilingual education, state financing of schools, and church-state separation.…

Reports the results of a survey of teachers and school board members in Virginia on their opinions concerning collective bargaining and teacher involvement in militant activities or in political activism to achieve economic goals. The data revealed almost complete disagreement between the two groups. (Author/WD)

Since court rulings vary, the legal status of academic freedom in the classroom varies geographically. Teachers must use caution in asserting absolute freedom concerning classroom activities, and schools must develop sound curriculum policies and carefully document infractions. (Author/JM)

This article examines some of the court cases that deal with equal educational opportunity, education as a state function, and equal opportunities and equal protection in student classification. (Author)

The sex discrimination case of Geraldine Cannon in applying to medical schools is reviewed and related; earlier cases are examined. The standards set by the courts in these cases are discussed, and the roles of federal agencies and the courts are examined. (MSE)

Describes the "Golden Rule" test construction technique and its legal history. Focuses on the legal/measurement issues and considers alternative procedures for constructing racially "unbiased" tests. Concludes with an analysis of the probable reaction of the present Supreme Court to a constitutional/statutory challenge of the…

In "Edgewood Independent School District v. Kirby," the Texas Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the state's school financial system violated the "efficiency" provision of the Texas Constitution. The court gave the legislature until May 1, 1990, to come forward with a constitutional school finance plan. (MLF)