Cops in the Classroom: Assessing the Appropriateness of Search and Seizure Case Law in Schools

Authors

David Mueller, Boise State UniversityFollow
Richard Lawrence, St. Cloud State University

Document Type

Contribution to Books

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Abstract

During the 1999-2000 school year, more than one million serious disciplinary actions were taken against students, involving about 54 percent of public schools in the United States. A majority (83 percent) of the disciplinary actions were suspensions of five days or more; 11 percent were expulsions from school; and 7 percent were transfers to specialized schools. About 20 percent of schools took disciplinary actions for possession of drugs or alcohol in school; 4 percent for possession of a firearm and 19 percent for weapons other than firearms; 35 percent for fights, 22 percent for threats, and 18 percent for insubordination.¹ Lack of discipline and control ranked just behind lack of financial support in a national survey that asked respondents what were the biggest problems facing public schools; use of drugs, fighting, violence, and gangs were also listed among the top five problems.² Some believe that school discipline problems such as these are the result of an overemphasis on students' rights.³

Publication Information

Mueller, David and Lawrence, Richard. (2007). "Cops in the Classroom: Assessing the Appropriateness of Search and Seizure Case Law in Schools". Youth Violence and Delinquency: Monsters and Myths, 2149-168.