Privacy Rights of Students

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, enacted as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791, guarantees all persons the freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Specifically, this amendment states that [Page 661]“the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” This protection requires close examination in one very important context, that of students in public schools; this entry provides a brief survey.