The principal is faced with myriad legal issues on a daily basis, making it imperative that he or she keep abreast with developing legal issues. The first of four sections, "Students and the Law," surveys federal statutes and landmark Supreme Court decisions pertaining to the rights of students. It addresses legal issues regarding search and seizure, freedom of expression, dress codes, student discipline and due process, academic sanctions, and child abuse. Section 2, "Special Education and the Law," reviews legal issues involving disabled students, their parents, and schools in light of decisions of the Court and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Among issues addressed are eligibility and appropriate education; individualized education plans; transition for individuals with disabilities; discipline; related services, including school health services, physical and psychological therapy, transportation, and assistive technologies; infectious diseases; and barrier-free facilities. Section 3 "Teachers and the Law," discusses censorship and academic freedom, sexual harassment in the workplace, performance evaluations, documentation for teacher improvement or termination, marginally effective teachers, dismissal procedures, teacher certification, student inquiry, and sports law. Section 4 "Schools and the Law," outlines current legal interpretations regarding professional liability and negligence; copyright law; devotional activities in public schools; religion in the curriculum; educational curriculum and legal issues (removal of materials from the instructional program and library, evolution science vs. creation science, sex education, and bilingual education); home instruction; equality and reform; legal issues for school reform; school finance (school funding equity and adequacy, funding church-affiliated schools); and legal ramifications in the coming decade (free speech, equal access, invocations and benedictions). (TEJ)