NJ v TLO
Juliana Merzigian
Issue
A student, T.L.O., at a New Jersey high school was caught smoking in the bathroom. After being taken to the Principal's Office and denying her smoking, the Assistant Principal searched the student's purse. In there were cigarettes, rolling papers, marijuana, and a card stating what student owed her money. The student was charged with possession of marijuana and given a year of probation. Before the trial, the student had requested a motion to suppress the evidence, claiming that it violated the Fourth Amendment due to an illegal search.
Decision
T.L.O was found guilty and was sentenced to a year of probation.
Impact
The Supreme Court decided that school officials in public schools are eligible for the exclusionary rule when it comes to searches a seizures.