⚡ Legal Issues

4th Amendment Reasonable Suspicion Student Privacy

📋 Case Facts

  • Another student told principal about a rumor.
  • Principal searched locker without student present.
  • Found prohibited item hidden under books.

👥 Witnesses

👤
Principal School Official
Plaintiff/Prosecution

Statement

I had a credible tip. School safety comes first. The lockers are school property anyway. I did what I had to do to keep students safe.

Key Facts to Establish

  • Tip received
  • School property
  • Safety concern

Potential Weaknesses

  • Just a rumor
  • Student not present
👤
Student Defendant
Defense

Statement

That's MY space! They didn't even ask me. Someone started a rumor because they're mad at me. I have privacy rights!

Key Facts to Establish

  • Privacy expectation
  • Rumor source unreliable

Potential Weaknesses

  • Item was found
  • Lockers are school-owned

📜 Jury Instructions

The jury must decide:

  • Was there reasonable suspicion for the search?
  • Should the evidence be excluded because of how it was found?