School psychologists' knowledge of children's legal rights

School psychologists need a working knowledge of laws affecting children. This investigation was done to discover whether members of Ohio's school psychological association, including intern school psychologists who were functioning in a supervised capacity, are as knowledgeable about law as they need to be to avoid lawsuits. Participants completed a custom-designed questionnaire. Survey of Children's Legal Rights, including questions assessing knowledge of children's rights in relation to child abuse, suspension and expulsion, corporal punishment, rights in juvenile court, special education, freedom of religion and speech, search and seizure within school, divorce and child custody, school vandalism, and school attendance. Analysis indicated significant misconceptions about legal decisions; however, these school psychology practitioners have adequate legal knowledge about most of the surveyed themes excepting provisions for special education.