The background to the case is that T.L.O. and a class mate were found smoking cigarettes in a bathroom at school. The school didn't allow smoking. They were found by a teacher and were taken to the principle's office. The classmate confessed, yet T.L.O. lied and said she hadn't smoked. The assistant vice principle demanded to see her purse and there he found the cigarettes along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She was taken to the police station and there she admitted to dealing marijuana. The juvenile court system sentenced her to a year of probation. The state Supreme Court overturned the courts decision, stating that the search was against her 4th amendment rights. The state of New Jersey asked the Supreme Court to hear its appeal.

Smoked in a non-smoking area.

T.L.O. lied about her smoking

T.L.O. wasn't asked if they could search her bag.

T.L.O. was given probation yet it was overturned by Supreme Court.

The 4th amendment protects the citizen from unreasonable search and seizure.

Background and Facts