This book presents case studies describing the role of the courts and legislation in seven school desegregation cases. In addition to the studies of individual litigation, there are essays on the role of the professional educator in desegregation cases and the plaintiff client counsel relationship. A historical review of the desegregation of the Boston public schools indicates that though public schools may have been desegregated, the public school system remains segregated. An analysis of the first New York City desegregation case to reach a Federal court, Hart Vs. Community School Board 21, demonstrates the complexities of school integration litigation and court decisions. Also presented is Keyes Vs. School District No. 1, which involved the city of Denver. This was the first nonsouthern desegregation case to reach the Supreme Court. Desegregation in Detroit and the Milliken Vs. Bradley case are also examined. A study examining the legislative and administrative history of the Indianapolis school system and desegretaion there is provided. The desegregation case in Mount Vernon, New York illustrates the interplay of the judicial, legislative, and administrative process. An analysis of the litigation and the sociopolitical situation of San Francisco is included. The desegregation of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, North Carolina school system is also described. (Author/AM)