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

1. The search of T.L.O.'s purse was a violation of her Fourth Amendment rights because she has the right under the Constitution "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures". Her purse was her personal property and under this amendment it cannot be violated.

2. The Fourth Amendment does not apply to students in public school because school officials are allowed  to search a student if that official has a "reasonable suspicion that a crime has been or is in the process of being committed, or reasonable cause to believe that the search is necessary to maintain school discipline or enforce school policies."

3. The search of T.L.O.'s purse seems reasonable to me because T.L.O. and her friend were caught smoking by a teacher, then she denied that she ever smoked at all. The principal had good intentions when he searched her purse. It was just a purse and under these circumstances, it was understandable that he should search for evidence, if any. The search was necessary for the safety of the students and to maintain the school policies.

4. Regarding school governing searches of students in my school, a teacher should have reasonable suspicions for searching through a student's personal belongings. If what the student has could be harmful to others and/or goes against school policies, the search is allowed. I think a search like T.L.O.'s case can happen in my school with parental consent.

5. The Supreme Court would probably side with the school if a student may have illegal/dangerous objects in their possession. The school should have the right to search if they have good reason to suspect a student may be in possession of anything harmful. The safety of students is a priority.