This book presents a comprehensive update on the current state of United States law as it affects public education. Part 1, which covers law and education, contains two chapters that explain the sources of educational law and the tools of legal research. Part 2, which examines law pertaining to local boards of education, comprises four chapters that cover local school boards and boards of education, tort liability, collective negotiations, and educational finance. Law as it relates to professional staff is described in part 3, which includes two chapters on employment and job security and academic freedom. Five chapters in part 4 address legal issues pertaining to students: assignment and placement, control and punishment, expression, religion, and special education. The appendix contains a copy of the Constitution of the United States. A table of cases and an index are included. (LMI)