Patrick Jurney

Blake Huebl

p. 4

Background info

14 year old (T.L.O) caught smoking on school property

Suspicion led assistant principal to search through purse

The assistant principal found drug paraphernalia

Lawyer of T.L.O stated 4th amendment protected her right to privacy - evidence unable to be used in trial

Case eventually appealed to supreme court

Constitutional issues

4th amendment was allegedly violated

Defendant stated that warrant was necessary

Decision of Court

Majority opinion: Search was reasonable and standards of school officials differ from those of police

Concurring opinion: Level of student protection should not be equal to adult’s

Dissenting opinion: School officials need probable cause to search students

Our Opinion

This case has a big impact on all schools

It allows school officials to ensure a safe learning environment is in effect

This case will make sure school officials won’t get in trouble for searching without probable cause

It helps our school be safer and better equipped to handle situations.

Interactive piece

Do you think that school officials need to have probable cause?

Based on this cartoon, how do you think the artist felt about how school officials don’t need probable cause?

Bibliography

http://aclu.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=458

Classroom resource

Oyez.org

http://www.landmarkcases.org/newjersey/dissenting.html