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School Safety & Youth Violence: A Legal Primer

NCJ Number
198396
Author(s)
Kirk A. Bailey J.D.; Catherine J. Ross Ph.D.
Date Published
2001
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This is a legal primer on the subject of school safety and youth violence.
Abstract
The Office of the Surgeon General has identified youth violence as an epidemic. While youth violence has diminished in recent years, it remains a critical issue for public health. School officials have a strong obligation, both moral and legal, to respond to undisciplined youths whose behavior potentially threatens the welfare and safety of other children. Violence in schools raises a variety of legal issues regarding prevention, intervention, and response to crisis. This guidebook seeks to outline the major legal issues faced by schools, including: school liability for violence; search and seizure, threats of violence; zero tolerance policies; and use of student records. The primer is not intended to substitute for legal advice. The information presented is accurate but should serve as a general guideline only and not be taken as legal advice. Index, notes, appendix