Law and Ethics Notes

5 Rights of the First Amendment
1. Speech
2. Assembly
3. Press
4. Religion
5. Petition


The Tinker Standard

Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not "materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others."


The Fraser Standard

Because school officials have an interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior, they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent even if it does not cause a material or substantial disruption.



The Hazelwood Standard

Censorship of school sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show that it is reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns.

The Fredrick Standards

January 2002. olympic torch travels through town. Principal cancels school. Senior Frederick unveils banner on the street which reads "Bong Hits 4 Jesus". Suspended for 10 days.

Libel: Written Lies

- A Defamatory statement
- Has to be published.
- A FALSE statement of fact

Slander: Spoken Lies

- A Defamatory statement
- Has to be spoken
- A FALSE statement of fact