This section of the Idaho Primer on Special Education in Charter Schools is divided into two parts: (1) a discussion of the legal status of charter schools and their linkage to other local education agencies (LEAs), and (2) a synopsis of federal laws that are most relevant to special education in charter schools. The Primer on Special Education in Charter Schools is intended for those readers who may not fully understand the critical importance of a charter school's legal status within a state's public education system, or may not have a working knowledge of, or need a brief update on, federal special education laws and regulations. [Funding for this paper was provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Charter Schools Program.]