Intended to serve as a practical guide for principals, this book analyzes the implications of recent court interpretations of constitutional and statutory law as it applies to the disciplinary policies and practices of schools. Emphasis is placed on the effects of the law on the actions of school administrators in Illinois, and several sections of the Illinois statutes are cited. Divided into two sections, the book first presents an overview of the law as it applies to student discipline, including discussions of student rights and responsibilities, court structure and significance, types Of law, key constitutional amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1871, due process and rules, and the doctrine of "in loco parentis." The second section analyzes specific court decisions regarding child abuse, compulsory attendance, corporal punishment, dress and grooming codes, freedom of speech, academic penalties, graduation and the granting of diplomas, maCried or pregnant students, negligence on the part of principals, tort liability, student publications, school fees, school records, search and seizure, sex discrimination, smoking, special education, and suspension and expulsion. (PGD)