This book combines both the broader and narrower aspects of United States law to provide an extended understanding of the realities in which professionals must perform as employees in elementary and secondary schools. Twelve chapters are based on the authors' administrative experiences and knowledge of school law to lead readers toward an understanding of basic legal principles. Each includes a chapter summary. Chapter 1 presents an overview of the U.S. legal system and explains how to locate cases. Chapter 2 examines the roles and powers of boards of education and school districts. Laws pertaining to parent rights and responsibilities are discussed in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 examines legal requirements for personnel certification, contracts, and retirement; and chapter 5 addresses incentives, evaluation, promotion, and grievance procedures. Chapters 6 and 7 describe laws that apply to students and the handicapped population. Equal opportunities and discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, and disability are examined in chapter 8. Chapters 9 through 12 present information on the following topics: injury and negligence; religion and schools; collective bargaining; and school finance. A glossary, table of cases, and index are included. (LMI)