This book is about teachers and the laws that affect them. New to this sixth edition are new court cases and a chapter that highlights likely controversies in the coming years, including school choice, high-stakes testing, control of the Internet, and gang clothing. The book is divided into two parts. Part I, "The Legal Aspects of Teaching," addresses questions related to teacher contracts, dismissals, tenure, collective bargaining, liability, child abuse, defamation, and copyright laws. Part II, "Teachers' and Students' Rights," explores legal issues related to the scope and limits of personal freedom of expression, covering such topics as religion and conscience, personal appearance, due process, privacy, homeschooling, bilingual and multicultural education, student records, sex and racial discrimination, free speech, and academic freedom. The book follows a question-and-answer format. Most of the questions and answers are based on reported court cases. Each chapter begins with an overview and ends with a summary and endnotes. Included in appendices are selected provisions of the U.S. Constitution, a summary of major civil laws affecting schools, and a list of legal resources for teachers. The book also contains a glossary, a selected bibliography, and a subject index. (WFA)