Civics 101 Right to Privacy: New Jersey v T.L.O.
Mar 23, 2021
Journey back to 1980, where a 14-year-old girl's rebellion sparks a pivotal Supreme Court case on student rights. Discover how New Jersey v. T.L.O. challenges the Fourth Amendment protections of students. The podcast dives into the cultural backdrop of the 80s and the legal implications of searches in schools. It explores the balance between personal privacy and school safety, shedding light on how this landmark ruling continues to influence student rights today. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that connects history with contemporary issues!
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TLO's Purse Search Incident
- A 14-year-old girl, TLO, was caught smoking in a New Jersey school bathroom and denied it.
- The assistant vice principal searched her purse, finding cigarettes, rolling papers, a marijuana amount, and a note about money owed.
Student Privacy and Fourth Amendment
- Students have Fourth Amendment rights but with diminished protection in schools.
- School officials need only reasonable suspicion, not probable cause, for searches in school context.
Exception to Warrant in Schools
- The Supreme Court created an exception to the warrant and probable cause requirements for school searches.
- Reasonable suspicion suffices for school officials to search a student for rule violations.