A 3-page, typed paper corresponding to the issues identified below is required each week throughout the semester. Papers must be typed (size 12 font) and double spaced with top, bottom, and side margins of at least one inch, and they must not exceed three pages. Papers are due at the beginning of the class period for which they have been assigned. Late papers and electronic submissions will not be accepted. Papers should be based exclusively on the assigned readings and your analysis of the corresponding issues; no additional research is expected. A fourth, blank page must be stapled to the 3-page paper. Approximately 10 minutes will be left at the end of each class period during which you will be asked to write on the blank page whether the thoughts expressed in your 3-page paper have been altered in any way as a result of the class discussion and explain why or why not that is the case. The 3-page papers will be graded based on: (1) how well they integrate relevant readings; (2) the substantive analysis provided, including use of relevant principles and facts; and (3) writing style. The thoughts expressed following class discussion on the attached blank page also will be considered in the assigned grade. Papers will be evaluated on a 10-point scale: 10-9=A; 8.5-8=B; 7.5-7=C; 6.5-6=D; 5.5 or below =F. The grade received on the weekly papers will represent 75% of the course grade. 

Feb. 17 The Rights of Juveniles: First and Fourth Amendments; Juvenile Justice
    The parents of children attending Windham Middle School have been asked to vote on a policy that would require all enrolled students to be subject to random drug testing. School officials were concerned about drug use among students because of several recent cases involving the sale of drugs on school grounds and teachers reports that some students periodically attend class under the apparent influence of drugs. Based on the adverse health consequences of drug use, and its negative impact on the learning environment, a proposal has been made to the School Board to select 20 students each week randomly from the 500-student Middle School, and to require the chosen students to submit a urine sample for testing for illegal drugs. The proposed drug-testing procedures are modeled after those approved by the Supreme Court in Vernonia School District 47J v. Acton. Students testing positive for illegal drugs would be required to take a special class in substance abuse, to participate in counseling, and on occasion to undergo additional drug testing. Assume that you are the parent of a child enrolled in the middle school. How will you vote on this proposal?  Why?