This book is intended to provide preservice teachers with insights into many of the major legal problems associated with the operation of public schools. It attempts to convey a basic understanding of important court decisions and how they affect classroom practices. Separate chapters are devoted to discussion of the American legal tradition, governmental education policy, state and local concerns in educational policy, local management of schools, school administration, legal problems of teachers, students' rights, school finance, teacher liability, and professional negotiations. (Author/JG)