Vernonia V. Acton Case Study

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In Vernonia v. Acton, the issue in question is the school’s ability to drug test student-athletes. In the mid 80’s, the Vernonia School District noticed an uptick in drug use, and more so from athletes. Furthermore, the football and wrestling coach cited several situations that he felt drug-use was causing the athletes to be unsafe. Thus, the school instituted a mandatory drug test for all student athletes prior to the season, and then weekly random drug testing. If a student-athlete failed a test, they would have the choice of joining a rehab program, or serving a suspension. Suspension from school was never an option, nor were the results reported to authorities. Results were reported to the superintendent, athletic director, and other personnel on a need to know basis only (Vernonia v. Acton, 1995). …show more content…

They argued that he should still be allowed to participate as the testing policy infringed on James’ Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment Rights. The Fourth Amendment protects unreasonable search and seizure. The family argued this “search” was unjustified, as there was no probable cause. The Fourteenth Amendment allows everyone due process before the loss of life, liberty, or property. The family argued that the drug testing broke due process, and that it should not take away James’ ability to participate in athletics (Vernonia v. Acton, 1995). In the courts, the District Court dismissed Acton’s suit seeking injunctive relief. Then the Ninth Circuit Appeals Court granted the injunction, stating that Acton’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated by the drug testing policy. The case then ended up at the US Supreme Court, where Vernonia’s policy was again deemed legal (Vernonia v. Acton,

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