New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
A high school student, known as T.L.O., was caught smoking in a school bathroom. A search of her purse revealed cigarettes, marijuana, and evidence of dealing. The student argued the search violated the Fourth Amendment. The Supreme Court held that school officials may search students with “reasonable suspicion”, a lower standard than the “probable cause” required for police.

3) Why It Mattered
This case set the standard for student searches in public schools, balancing student privacy with the need to maintain school order and discipline.

4) What It Provided or Took Away

• Provided: Authority for school officials to search students based on reasonable suspicion.
• Took Away: Full Fourth Amendment protections for students in school settings.

5) Overreach or Proper Role?
The Court walked a middle path: limiting student rights somewhat, but still requiring justification for searches. Critics say it gave schools too much power, but it wasn’t a blank check.

6) Plain-English Impact Today
School administrators can search backpacks, lockers, or purses if they have a reasonable suspicion of rule-breaking — they don’t need a warrant or full probable cause like police do.

• Fourth Amendment
• Students
• Schools
• Search and Seizure