New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)
Issue: Privacy Rights at School

Background
T.L.O. (Terry), a 14-year-old freshman named “Terry” at Piscataway High School in New Jersey, was caught smoking in a school bathroom by a teacher. The principal questioned her and asked to see her purse. Inside was a pack of cigarettes, and a illegal drugs. The police were called and “Terry” admitted selling drugs at school.

Her case went to trial and she was found guilty of possession of illegal drugs and placed on probation. Terry appealed (fought) her conviction (being guilty), claiming that the search of her purse violated her Fourth Amendment protection against “unreasonable searches and seizures” of property.

QUESTION

Based upon what you learned about the 4th amendment (search and seizure). Do you believe the school (principal) had the right to search the students property and bag? Explain why your thinking.

Based upon the 3rd amendment…we do  not have to Quarter Soldiers. (sleep, eat, shelter). Did the soldiers in Stone Soup break the 3rd Amendment?

2. Supreme Court Case 

Issue…

Let’s be Supreme Court Judges (Justices)- This is a real case that went before the

US Supreme Court. Today you are going to decide what the ruling should be. Read the facts from the case. 

Then based on what we learned about the first amendment- make a decision. 

Then we will find out if you made the correct decision.

Freedom of Religion 1st Amendment

Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 U.S. 488 (1961)

The state of Maryland had a law saying that everyone who wanted a

job in the state government had to swear that he or she believed in God.

A man named Torcaso applied for a job as a government official.

He was denied the job because he would not say that he believed in God.

Mr. Torcaso said that the Maryland law was unconstitutional because it limited his

freedom of religion.

He said that freedom of religion meant the freedom to believe in God or

not to believe in God, as a person wishes.

What do you think the Supreme Court decided? Why? List your reasons and post on the blog. 

After watching the video “I’m Just a Bill” explain how a bill becomes a law. In 3-4 sentences. You may go back a watch the video or use the typed text from the video.

Directions: Re-read the Preamble to the Constitution. You may also read the “translated” version of the Preamble below. After you read them. Take a few minutes to think. In your opinion what word or phrase is the most important in the Preamble.Then explain why in 2-3 sentences. We will share in S.S. class.