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.