The purpose of this course is to explore legal issues relevant to education. Basic legal principles and guidelines for assisting administrators in fulfilling their many duties in schools are developed. The tensions and legal controversies that contribute to and in many ways shape the teaching and learning environments of public education in the United States are explored and discussed. Legal opinions and the analysis of selected cases provide the content for the course. The material is intended to assist school personnel in understanding the current application of the law and to encourage further and continuous study of the law. Knowledge and understanding of educational law allows educators to avoid harmful litigation and to interpret legal mandates and statutes in such a way that educational opportunities for all students are enhanced.