Vernonia School District vs. Acton Case

 

 

     This case addressed drug testing of athletes in schools. During this time, drug use was affecting schools all over. The officials had decided that athletes were the central of the problem. Therfore, the schools made the athletes take a urine test for drugs. The policy stated that student-athlete to sign a form consenting to drug testing before the start of the season. If a student failed the test the first time, he/she would take it again to confirm the result. If the second test was positive, the athlete's parents were notified, and they had to meet with the principal. The student had the option of entering a drug program for six weeks and giving a weekly urine sample, or being suspended for the remainder of the current season and next season. One student, Acton, refused to participate in a drug test that was given to student athletes. His parents filed a lawsuit against the school. A federal district court upheld the policy, but the appellate court reversed that decision on the basis that the policy violated both the Fourth and Fourteenth amendments. The case was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on March 28, 1995. The court noted that the Fourth Amendment, which forbids unreasonable searches and seizures, was extended by to cover searches and seizures by state officers, including those at public schools. The Supreme court found that the school policy met the Fourth Amendment’s reasonableness requirement and was constitutional. The appellate court’s decision was overturned.

 

 

     This decision has a huge impact of schools and students. This allows for drug testing at random times, or searches. However, in my opinion for this case, the test shouldn't have been subjected to just one group of students. It wasn't fair to pull out just athletes when they weren't the only ones using drugs. I agree with the decision, but I also think the policy still wasn't fair. 

Election Assignment

     Top 5 Issues: Abortion, Cost of Colleges, Health Care, Welfare Reform, & Air Quality- Democrat

   Abortion

This is the first issue I would address, if I were in office. I think the topic of abortion is very controversial and a big issue for many people. I am pro-choice, therefore I believe abortion should be allowed. However, I also believe there should be some restrictions that go along with that, such as how far a woman is along in the pregnancy. I think that everyone should be given the choice to decide, because it is their life.

Cost of College

College is one of the biggest investments today. It is very costly, and almost every college student has that debt to pay. I think this is a big issue. College should not be as expensive as it is. In order to get more people to go to college, there is going to have to be ways to make it more affordable. The workforce needs educated adults to take jobs. To make this happen, the cost of college needs adjusted.

Health Care

In our country, health care cost is a big issue. I would address this, because I think everyone deserves healthcare. However it is very costly and many can't afford it. Right now, the healthcare system that the US is using has many issues. I think it is important to fix this in order for more Americans to receive healthcare that is affordable and fits their needs fairly.

Welfare Reform

The welfare system is needed in our society today. It helps many Americans who don't make enough money to survive and pay for their necessities. I think it can be a very good thing for the people who genuinely need it. However, there are many issues that need fixed. There needs to be time limits and restrictions set so that people aren't cheating the government while they are being lazy. I think there also needs to be some sort of checks set up because to many people are taking it for advantage.

Air Quality

Global warming is a big issue discussed today. Some believe it is more harmful than others. I think it is very important that we pay attention to how we are harming our earth. Even though our actions might not affect us in our lifetime, it will affect future generations. Therefore, I think this issue needs to be address. The air quality is polluted by many gases and other harmful chemicals. This needs to be fixed.


I am a Democrat. I believe that people should have the right to make their own choices regarding their lives. Everyone deserves to do what makes them happy and what is best for them. I think we, as a whole, need to treat everyone fairly and be more open minded about differences.
    

     I think it is very interesting that West Virginia made history for electing one of the youngest legislators. Even though it is very amazing that she got elected so young, I think it could hinder her. She is only a freshman in college, therefore lacks a lot of valuable education. She doesn't have a lot of experience compared to other older lawmakers. Her ideas might be different though, since they are coming from a younger view.

For Barbour County, Republican Tim McDaniel won the election for county commissioner. He received 2559 votes. Democrat Philip Ferguson won for county sheriff. Danny Wagner also won the house seat for West Virginia.
For Senate, Shelley Moore Capito won the election. Alex Mooney won the second district for the house, and Evan Jenkins won the third.

More winners of the election were republican. For both the state and county, more winners were male. Only one female got elected into office. Almost all of the winners were not incumbent.

Elections are very important because it is how people of a county  or state represent themselves. We vote  for someone to  put into office to be the voice. We have these elections so that everyone has a say, therefore our government is representational.  I think it is important to vote because  it is a right we have that people died for. It shouldn't be taken for granted. We need to vote, so that the right people are put into office.

Alex Mooney:

     Alex Mooney is running for congressional office in West Virginia. He is running for the second congressional office of the house. Mooney is a republican, and is definitely the more conservative opponent of the race. He is a strong supporter of the coal industry, and wants to expand the ability to mine coal on lands with dormant minerals. Alex Mooney promises that, if elected, he will “stand up to the gun grabbers, the radical pro-abortion zealots, the tax hikers and out of control government agencies such as the EPA and IRS.” Alex Mooney says he wants to fight for West Virginia 
     Alex Mooney also says he wants to open up more federal land for oil and gas exploration. He is against the Affordable Care Act and promises to fight back against Obama. He believes that West Virginia can be a leading example in defending and promoting the values of hard work, faith, and freedom. Alex has a proven record of fighting for conservative beliefs and is ready to defend West Virginia. 

Nick Kasey:

     Nick Kasey is the democratic candidate running against Alex Mooney. He is a very good negotiator and works well with people. His values and ideas have made him very successful. For West Virginia, he wants to build roads and schools in areas that need this advancement. Kasey promises to cut spending to help West Virginia's financial status. However, he doesn't believe in cutting social security or medicare. Nick will also fight for West Virginia’s industries including coal, natural gas, and farming. Casey is against increasing regulations in Washington. 

My Opinion:

     In my opinion, I think Nick Kasey is the better candidate. He will fight for West Virginia and the people of West Virginia. He cares about the values West Virginians have and isn't afraid to stand up for this state.

     1. This article supports my defense, because it proves that the death penalty isn't always fair. It shows that a person can not get the proper legal counseling. Also, it isn't fair that his accomplice isn't getting the death penalty even though they helped as well in the killings.
   
     2.  I think the court was correct in delaying the death sentence. However, I think they were incorrect in the whole sentence for both people to begin with.

    Summary of Craziest Laws Article

  I think the article is very funny. The laws created are ridiculous, yet amusing. How could they even think of these laws, let alone how could they get passed? Whoever thought of these wasn't very smart.