The Supreme Court Case New Jersey v. TLO questioned the rights students had in public schools. TLO was a New Jersey high school student whose locker was searched after school officials had reason to believe she was distributing drugs and cigarettes. She was found guilty and sentenced to a one-year probation. TLO appealed the decision all the way to the Supreme Court, which initially decided that her 4th Amendment rights (which protect a person’s home, belongings and body from being searched without just cause) had been violated. However, upon re-arguing the case, “the Court held that while the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures applies to public school officials, they may conduct reasonable warrantless searches of students under their authority notwithstanding the probable cause standard that would normally apply to searches under the Fourth Amendment. The Court held that the search of T.L.O.'s purse was reasonable under the circumstances”.
Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s final decision or their initial? Why or why not? In your answer, discuss the Fourth Amendment, how it applies to this case, and which verdict you agree with (the initial or final verdict).