T. L. O.: Breaking The Fourth Amendment

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Each year many objects can go unnoticed without searches. In 1980, Theodore Choplick, the vice principal of Piscataway High School in New Jersey searched through a student’s purse. The student, nicknamed T.L.O. based on her initials, was caught smoking in the bathroom and denied that she did the deed. Choplick found many things in the purse such as marijuana and a cigarette pack. T.L.O. claims that Choplick’s search broke the Fourth Amendment. However, The vice principal’s search was reasonable due to the fact that T.L.O. was caught smoking in the bathroom and her friend admitting in doing marijuana.
Numerous events occurred before this case was taken to the Supreme Court. “In 1980, a teacher at Piscataway High School in New Jersey found two girls smoking in a restroom” (New Jersey v. T.L.O. [1985]). The two girls were sent …show more content…
According to the Fourth Amendment “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized” (Know Your Rights: The United States Bill of Rights- First 10 Amendments to the Constitution). Mr. Choplick is clearly abiding the Fourth Amendment due to the fact that T.L.O. was found smoking in the bathroom and that her friend admitted in doing marijuana. From the first search of the purse, Choplick found a cigarette pack, which drove him to search further. Additionally, the vice principal found many other things in the purse and it was certain that she lied to him about smoking. Choplick’s search also enforces order and discipline throughout the school. Thus, Choplick had a clear reason for doubting T.L.O and therefore searched through her
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