Question

The Supreme Court Case New Jersey v. TLO questioned the rights students had in public schools. TLO was a New Jersey high school student whose locker was searched after school officials had reason to believe she was distributing drugs and cigarettes. She was found guilty and sentenced to a one-year probation. TLO appealed the decision and the NJ Supreme Court decided that her 4th Amendment rights (which protect a person’s home, belongings and body from being searched without just cause) had been violated. However, the US Supreme Court reversed that ruling: “the Court held that while the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures applies to public school officials, they may conduct reasonable warrantless searches of students under their authority notwithstanding the probable cause standard that would normally apply to searches under the Fourth Amendment. The Court held that the search of T.L.O.'s purse was reasonable under the circumstances”.
Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision? Why or why not? In your answer, discuss the Fourth Amendment, how it applies to this case, and whether or not you agree with the final verdict.

Answer 1

Answer:

No, because a school official can claim a search is warranted when in reality the official could search you because of a hunch and search personal property causing potential property damage and causing the student much distress.