Which decision clarified the limitations of searches in public schools?

The decision in New Jersey v. T.L.O. is pivotal in clarifying the limitations of searches in public schools. This landmark case involved a high school student whose purse was searched by school officials, leading to the discovery of evidence that prompted disciplinary action. The Supreme Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures does apply to public school officials, but it established a different standard than that applied to law enforcement in the broader society.

In public schools, officials are permitted to conduct searches based on "reasonable suspicion" rather than the higher standard of "probable cause." This means that school officials can search students if they have a reasonable belief that the student is violating school rules or laws. The Court emphasized the need to balance the students' rights to privacy against the school's interest in maintaining a safe and orderly environment. This ruling has shaped how searches are conducted within schools, allowing for a more lenient approach when compared to standard law enforcement practices.

In contrast, the other cases do not specifically address school searches or the balance between student rights and school safety in the same way. For instance, California v. Carney focused on the search of a motor home under the automobile exception, which has different implications than searches conducted in schools. Terry