vernonia school dist acton argued march decided june motivated discovery athletes leaders student drug culture concern drug use increases risk injury petitioner school district district adopted student athlete drug policy policy authorizes random urinalysis drug testing students participate athletics programs respondent acton denied participation school football program parents also respondents refused consent testing filed suit seeking declaratory injunctive relief grounds policy violated fourth fourteenth amendments oregon constitution district denied claims appeals reversed holding policy violated federal state constitutions held policy constitutional fourth fourteenth amendments pp collection testing urine constitutes search fourth amendment skinner railway labor executives clear practice either approving disapproving type search issue time constitutional provision enacted reasonableness search judged balancing intrusion individual fourth amendment interests promotion legitimate governmental interests pp first factor considered determining reasonableness nature privacy interest search intrudes subjects policy children committed temporary custody state schoolmaster page ii capacity state may exercise degree supervision control greater exercise free adults requirements public school children submit physical examinations vaccinated indicate lesser privacy expectation regard medical examinations procedures general population student athletes even less legitimate privacy expectation element communal undress inherent athletic participation athletes subject preseason physical exams rules regulating conduct pp privacy interests compromised process obtaining urine samples policy negligible since conditions collection nearly identical typically encountered public restrooms addition tests look standard drugs medical conditions results released limited group pp nature immediacy governmental concern issue efficacy means meeting also favor finding reasonableness importance deterring drug use nation schoolchildren doubted moreover policy directed narrowly drug use athletes risk physical harm user players high district conclusion district concerns immediate clearly erroneous drug problem largely caused athletes particular danger athletes effectively addressed ensuring athletes use drugs fourth amendment require least intrusive search conducted respondents argument drug testing based suspicion drug use true fatal alternative entails substantial difficulties pp scalia delivered opinion rehnquist kennedy thomas ginsburg breyer joined ginsburg filed concurring opinion filed dissenting opinion stevens souter joined vernonia school dist acton justice scalia delivered opinion student athlete drug policy adopted school district town vernonia oregon authorizes random urinalysis drug testing students participate district school athletics programs granted certiorari decide whether violates fourth fourteenth amendments constitution petitioner vernonia school district district operates one high school three grade schools logging community vernonia oregon elsewhere america school sports play prominent role town life student athletes admired schools community drugs major problem vernonia schools however teachers administrators observed sharp increase drug use students began speak attraction drug culture boast nothing school along drugs came disciplinary problems number disciplinary referrals vernonia vernonia school dist acton schools rose twice number reported early several students suspended students became increasingly rude class outbursts profane language became common student athletes included among drug users district found athletes leaders drug culture supp caused district administrators particular concern since drug use increases risk injury expert testimony trial confirmed deleterious effects drugs motivation memory judgment reaction coordination performance high school football wrestling coach witnessed severe sternum injury suffered wrestler various omissions safety procedures misexecutions football players attributable belief effects drug use initially district responded drug problem offering special classes speakers presentations designed deter drug use even brought specially trained dog detect drugs drug problem persisted according district administration wits end large segment student body particularly involved interscholastic athletics state rebellion disciplinary problems reached epidemic proportions coincidence almost increase classroom disruptions disciplinary reports along staff direct observations students using drugs glamorizing drug alcohol use led administration inescapable conclusion rebellion fueled alcohol drug abuse well student misperceptions drug culture ibid vernonia school dist acton policy applies students participating interscholastic athletics students wishing play sports must sign form consenting testing must obtain written consent parents athletes tested beginning season sport addition week season names athletes placed pool student supervision two adults blindly draws names athletes random testing selected notified tested day possible student tested completes specimen control form bears assigned number prescription medications student taking must identified providing copy prescription doctor authorization student enters empty locker room accompanied adult monitor sex boy selected produces sample urinal remaining fully clothed back monitor stands approximately feet behind student monitors may though always watch student produces sample listen normal sounds urination girls produce samples enclosed bathroom stall heard observed sample produced given monitor checks temperature tampering transfers vial vernonia school dist acton samples sent independent laboratory routinely tests amphetamines cocaine marijuana drugs lsd may screened request district identity particular student determine drugs tested laboratory procedures accurate district follows strict procedures regarding chain custody access test results laboratory know identity students whose samples tests authorized mail written test reports superintendent provide test results district personnel telephone requesting official recites code confirming authority superintendent principals athletic directors access test results results kept one year sample tests positive second test administered soon possible confirm result second test negative action taken second test positive athlete parents notified school principal convenes meeting student parents student given option participating six weeks assistance program includes weekly urinalysis suffering suspension athletics remainder current season next athletic season student retested prior start next athletic season eligible policy second offense results automatic imposition option third offense suspension remainder current season next two athletic seasons fall respondent james acton signed play football one district grade schools denied participation vernonia school dist acton however parents refused sign testing consent forms actons filed suit seeking declaratory injunctive relief enforcement policy grounds violated fourth fourteenth amendments constitution article oregon constitution bench trial district entered order denying claims merits dismissing action appeals ninth circuit reversed holding policy violated fourth fourteenth amendments article oregon constitution granted certiorari ii fourth amendment constitution provides federal government shall violate right people secure persons houses papers effects unreasonable searches seizures held fourteenth amendment extends constitutional guarantee searches seizures state officers elkins including public school officials new jersey skinner railway labor executives held collection testing urine required student athlete drug policy constitutes search subject demands fourth amendment see also treasury employees von raab text fourth amendment indicates ultimate measure constitutionality governmental search reasonableness least case clear practice either approving disapproving type search issue vernonia school dist acton time constitutional provision enacted whether particular search meets reasonableness standard judged balancing intrusion individual fourth amendment interests promotion legitimate governmental interests skinner supra quoting delaware prouse search undertaken law enforcement officials discover evidence criminal wrongdoing said reasonableness generally requires obtaining judicial warrant skinner supra warrants issued course without showing probable cause required warrant clause warrant required establish reasonableness government searches warrant required warrant clause therefore applicable probable cause invariably required either search unsupported probable cause constitutional said special needs beyond normal need law enforcement make warrant requirement impracticable griffin wisconsin internal quotation marks omitted found special needs exist context warrant requirement unduly interfere maintenance swift informal disciplinary procedures needed strict adherence requirement vernonia school dist acton searches based upon probable cause undercut substantial need teachers administrators freedom maintain order schools supra school search approved based probable cause based individualized suspicion wrongdoing explicitly acknowledged however fourth amendment imposes irreducible requirement suspicion quoting upheld suspicionless searches seizures conduct drug testing railroad personnel involved train accidents see skinner supra conduct random drug testing federal customs officers carry arms involved drug interdiction see von raab supra maintain automobile checkpoints looking illegal immigrants contraband supra drunk drivers michigan dept state police sitz iii vernonia school dist acton traditionally common law still today unemancipated minors lack fundamental rights including even right liberty narrow sense right come go subject even physical freedom control parents guardians see jur parents place minor children private schools education teachers administrators schools stand loco parentis children entrusted fact tutor schoolmaster prototype status blackstone describes parent may delegate part parental authority life tutor schoolmaster child loco parentis portion power parent committed charge viz restraint correction may necessary answer purposes employed blackstone commentaries laws england rejected notion public schools like private schools exercise parental power students course subject constitutional constraints view things said entirely consonant compulsory education laws ibid quoting ingraham wright inconsistent prior decisions treating school officials state actors purposes due process free speech clauses supra denying state power schoolchildren formally vernonia school dist acton delegated power parents deny indeed emphasized nature power custodial tutelary permitting degree supervision control exercised free adults proper educational environment requires close supervision schoolchildren well enforcement rules conduct perfectly permissible undertaken adult course suggest public schools general matter degree control children give rise constitutional duty protect see deshaney winnebago county dept social acknowledged many purposes school authorities ac loco parentis bethel school dist fraser power indeed duty inculcate habits manners civility internal quotation marks omitted thus children assuredly shed constitutional rights schoolhouse gate tinker des moines independent community school nature rights appropriate children school see goss lopez due process student challenging disciplinary suspension requires teacher informally discuss alleged misconduct student minutes occurred fraser supra highly appropriate function public school education prohibit use vulgar offensive terms public discourse hazlewood school dist kuhlmeier public school authorities may censor publications long censorship reasonably related legitimate pedagogical concerns ingraham supra mposing additional administrative safeguards upon corporal punishment entail significant intrusion vernonia school dist acton area primary educational responsibility fourth amendment rights less first fourteenth amendment rights different public schools elsewhere reasonableness inquiry disregard schools custodial tutelary responsibility children good classmates public school children routinely required submit various physical examinations vaccinated various diseases according american academy pediatrics public schools provide vision hearing screening dental dermatological checks others also mandate scoliosis screening appropriate grade levels committee school health american academy pediatrics school health guide health professionals school year required students vaccinated diphtheria measles rubella polio dept health human services public health service centers disease control state immunization requirements particularly regard medical examinations procedures therefore students within school environment lesser expectation privacy members population generally powell concurring legitimate privacy expectations even less regard student athletes school sports bashful require suiting practice event showering changing afterwards public school locker rooms usual sites activities notable privacy afford locker rooms vernonia typical individual dressing rooms provided shower heads lined along wall unseparated sort partition curtain even toilet stalls doors appeals seventh circuit noted element communal undress vernonia school dist acton inherent athletic participation schaill kross tippecanoe county school additional respect school athletes reduced expectation privacy choosing go team voluntarily subject degree regulation even higher imposed students generally vernonia public schools must submit preseason physical exam james testified included giving urine sample app must acquire adequate insurance coverage sign insurance waiver maintain minimum grade point average comply rules conduct dress training hours related matters may established sport head coach athletic director principal approval record exh somewhat like adults choose participate closely regulated industry students voluntarily participate school athletics reason expect intrusions upon normal rights privileges including privacy see skinner biswell iv considered scope legitimate expectation privacy issue turn next character intrusion complained recognized skinner collecting samples urinalysis intrudes upon excretory function traditionally shielded great privacy skinner noted however degree intrusion depends upon manner production urine sample monitored ibid district policy male students produce samples urinal along wall remain fully clothed observed behind female students produce samples vernonia school dist acton enclosed stall female monitor standing outside listening sounds tampering conditions nearly identical typically encountered public restrooms men women especially school children use daily conditions privacy interests compromised process obtaining urine sample view negligible aspect urinalysis course information discloses concerning state subject body materials ingested regard significant tests issue look drugs whether student example epileptic pregnant diabetic see skinner supra moreover drugs samples screened standard vary according identity student finally results tests disclosed limited class school personnel need know turned law enforcement authorities used internal disciplinary function see also vernonia school dist acton respondents argue however district policy fact intrusive suggests requires students avoid sanctions falsely positive test identify advance prescription medications taking agree raises cause concern von raab flagged one salutary features customs service program fact employees required disclose medical information unless tested positive even information supplied licensed physician rather government employer see von raab hand never indicated requiring advance disclosure medications per se unreasonable indeed skinner held significant invasion privacy skinner argued skinner disclosure went medical personnel taking sample government personnel analyzing see see railroad personnel responsible forwarding sample presumably accompanying information government testing lab disclosure teachers coaches persons personally know student greater invasion privacy assuming sake argument propositions true believe establish difference respondents entitled rely general authorization form respondents refused sign refusal basis james exclusion sports program said relevant part authorize vernonia school district conduct test urine specimen provide test drugs alcohol use also authorize vernonia school dist acton release information concerning results test vernonia school district parents guardians student app practice district seems school official take medication information student time test see app practice set forth required policy says simply student athletes taking prescription medication must provide verification either copy prescription doctor authorization prior tested app may well james selected random testing time taking medication school district permitted provide requested information confidential manner example sealed envelope delivered testing lab nothing policy contradicts respondents choose effect challenge policy face assume worst accordingly reach conclusion skinner invasion privacy significant finally turn consider nature immediacy governmental concern issue efficacy means meeting skinner von raab characterized government interest motivating search compelling skinner supra interest preventing railway accidents von raab supra interest insuring fitness customs officials interdict drugs handle firearms relying cases district held district program also called drug testing absence individualized suspicion district must demonstrate compelling need program appeals appears agreed view see vernonia school dist acton mistake however think phrase compelling state interest fourth amendment context describes fixed minimum quantum governmental concern one dispose case answering isolation question compelling state interest rather phrase describes interest appears important enough justify particular search hand light factors show search relatively intrusive upon genuine expectation privacy whether relatively high degree government concern necessary case think met nature concern important indeed perhaps compelling hardly doubted deterring drug use nation schoolchildren least important enhancing efficient enforcement nation laws importation drugs governmental concern von raab supra deterring drug use engineers trainmen governmental concern skinner supra school years time physical psychological addictive effects drugs severe maturing nervous systems critically impaired intoxicants mature ones childhood losses learning lifelong profound children grow chemically dependent quickly adults record recovery depressingly poor hawley bumpy road schools phi delta kappan see also estroff schwartz hoffmann adolescent cocaine abuse addictive potential behavioral psychiatric effects clinical pediatrics kandel davies karus yamaguchi consequences young adulthood adolescent drug involvement arch psychiatry course effects school visited upon users upon entire student body faculty vernonia school dist acton educational process disrupted present case moreover necessity state act magnified fact evil visited upon individuals large upon children undertaken special responsibility care direction finally must lost sight program directed narrowly drug use school athletes risk immediate physical harm drug user playing sport particularly high apart psychological effects include impairment judgment slow reaction time lessening perception pain particular drugs screened district policy demonstrated pose substantial physical risks athletes amphetamines produce artificially induced heart rate increase eripheral vasoconstriction lood pressure increase asking normal fatigue response making dangerous drug used exercise type hawkins drugs ingesta effects athletic performance appenzeller managing sports risk management strategies marijuana causes rregular blood pressure responses changes body position eduction capacity blood nhibition normal sweating responses resulting increased body temperature cocaine produces asoconstriction levated blood pressure ossible coronary artery spasms myocardial infarction ibid immediacy district concerns inclined question indeed possibly find clearly erroneous district conclusion large segment student body particularly involved interscholastic athletics state rebellion isciplinary actions reached epidemic proportions rebellion fueled alcohol drug abuse vernonia school dist acton well student misperceptions drug culture immediate crisis greater proportions existed skinner upheld government drug testing program based findings drug use railroad employees nationwide without proof problem existed particular railroads whose employees subject test see skinner much greater proportions existed von raab documented history drug use customs officials see von raab scalia dissenting efficacy means addressing problem seems us drug problem largely fueled role model effect athletes drug use particular danger athletes effectively addressed making sure athletes use drugs respondents argue less intrusive means end available namely drug testing suspicion drug use brief respondents repeatedly refused declare least intrusive search practicable reasonable fourth amendment skinner supra collecting cases respondents alternative entails substantial difficulties indeed practicable may impracticable one thing simply parents willing accept random drug testing athletes willing accept accusatory drug testing students transforms process badge shame respondents proposal brings risk teachers impose testing arbitrarily upon troublesome students generates expense defending lawsuits charge arbitrary imposition simply demand greater process accusatory drug testing imposed least adds diversionary duties schoolteachers new vernonia school dist acton function spotting bringing account drug abuse task ill prepared readily compatible vocation cf skinner supra quoting fed reg drug impaired individual seldom display outward signs detectable lay person many cases even physician goss powell dissenting ongoing relationship one teacher must occupy many roles educator adviser friend times rarely adversary nature omitted many respects think testing based suspicion drug use better worse vernonia school dist acton vi taking account factors considered decreased expectation privacy relative unobtrusiveness search severity need met search conclude vernonia policy reasonable hence constitutional caution assumption suspicionless drug testing readily pass constitutional muster contexts significant element case first discussed policy undertaken furtherance government responsibilities public school system guardian tutor children entrusted care government conducts search capacity employer warrantless search absent employee desk obtain urgently needed file example relevant question whether intrusion upon privacy one reasonable employer might engage see ortega also government acts guardian tutor relevant question whether search one reasonable guardian tutor might undertake given findings need made district conclude present case may note primary guardians vernonia schoolchildren appear agree record shows vernonia school dist acton objection districtwide program parents couple us even though described public meeting held obtain parents views find insufficient basis contradict judgment vernonia parents school board district reasonably interest children circumstances ordered footnotes despite fact like routine school physicals vaccinations dissent apparently finds unobjectionable even though blanket searches sort post search undertaken prophylactic distinctly nonpunitive purposes protecting student athletes injury deterring drug use student population see dissent nonetheless lump search together evidentiary searches generally require probable cause see supra student perspective test may regarded understood punishment post light district findings regarding purposes consequences testing perception definition irrational one protected nowhere else law event point dissent apparently believes post since student vaccinations physical exams constitutionally reasonable student drug testing must well rather reason prevalent practices public schoolchildren general student athletes particular diminished vernonia school dist acton expectation privacy see supra basis dissent insinuation upholding district policy equating fourth amendment status schoolchildren prisoners dissent asserts may calls categorical protection strong preference individualized suspicion requirement post case relies proposition bell wolfish displays stronger preference individualized suspicion today reiterates proposition rely elaborate arguments raise insuperable barriers exercise virtually powers wolfish supra quoting even wolfish arguendo assum ption existence less intrusive alternatives relevant determination reasonableness particular search method issue support dissent opinion ultimately rejected hypothesized alternative ground impair policies important institution see monitoring visits instead conducting body searches destroy confidentiality intimacy visits intended afford dissent devotes meager paragraphs pages central aspect testing program see post course shows none interest original meaning fourth amendment displayed elsewhere opinion see post course time framing well time adoption fourteenth amendment children substantially fewer rights legislatures courts confer upon today see kramer legal rights children ed wald children rights framework analysis rev vernonia school dist acton justice ginsburg concurring constantly observes school district policy applies students voluntarily participate interscholastic athletics ante reduced privacy expectation closer school regulation student athletes drug use athletes risks immediate physical harm users play correspondingly severe sanction allowed district policy suspension extracurricular athletic programs ante comprehend opinion reserving question whether district showing made constitutionally impose routine drug testing seeking engage others team sports students required attend school cf edwards friendly contrast search without notice opportunity avoid examination airport search passengers luggage avoidable choosing travel air vernonia school dist acton justice justice stevens justice souter join dissenting population nation public schools grades numbers around million see dept education national center education statistics digest education statistics table reasoning today decision millions students participate interscholastic sports overwhelming majority given school officials reason whatsoever suspect use drugs school open intrusive bodily search justifying result dispenses requirement individualized suspicion considered policy grounds first explains precisely every student athlete tested concern school officials might act arbitrarily choosing test second search regime reasons dilutes accusatory nature search making policy arguments course sidesteps powerful countervailing privacy concerns blanket searches involve thousands millions searches pos greater threat liberty ones affec one person time illinois krull dissenting searches based vernonia school dist acton individualized suspicion also afford potential targets considerable control whether fact searched person avoid search acting objectively suspicious way given surest way avoid acting suspiciously avoid underlying wrongdoing costs regime one think minimal whether blanket search better ante regime based individualized suspicion debate engage view open judges government officials decide policy grounds better worse constitutional history mass suspicionless searches generally considered per se unreasonable within meaning fourth amendment allowed exceptions recent years clear regime ineffectual case dissent carroll explained fourth amendment denounce searches seizures unreasonable applying standard first held search car unreasonable merely warrantless obtaining warrant impractical easily movable object car explained warrant required also held however warrantless car search unreasonable unless supported level individualized suspicion namely probable cause significantly base conclusion express probable cause requirement contained warrant clause noted found inapplicable rather rested vernonia school dist acton views deemed unreasonable search seizure fourth amendment adopted conserve public interests well interests rights individual citizens respect rights individual citizens eventually offered simple yet powerful intuition lawfully within country entitled use public highways right free passage without interruption search unless known competent official authorized search probable cause believing vehicles carrying contraband illegal merchandise important purposes case clearly indicated evenhanded treatment substitute individualized suspicion requirement intolerable unreasonable prohibition agent authorized stop every automobile chance finding liquor thus subject persons lawfully using highways inconvenience indignity search vernonia school dist acton important indication historical materials framers opposition general searches stemmed solely fact allowed officials single individuals arbitrary reasons thus officials render reasonable simply making sure extend search every house given area every person given group see delaware prouse rehnquist dissenting referring misery loves company theory fourth amendment contrary although general searches typically arbitrary invariably general searches example vernonia school dist acton arguably evenhanded kind cuddihy see also indeed cuddihy descriptions blanket searches suggests may considered worrisome typical general search see one type warrant went beyond general search searcher entered inspected suspicious places requiring search entire categories places whether suspected exigencies queen anne war two colonies even authorized searches extended entire geographic areas suspicious houses district conventional general warrants allowed perhaps telling reflected text warrant clause particular way framers chose curb abuses general warrants implication general searches impose novel evenhandedness requirement retain individualized suspicion requirement contained typical general warrant make requirement meaningful enforceable instance raising required level individualized suspicion objective probable cause see amdt example congress proposed fourth amendment authorized duty collectors search concealed goods subject import duties specific warrants required searches land even searches sea warrants impractical thus required congress nonetheless limited officials searching ships vessels collector shall reason suspect goods wares merchandise subject duty shall concealed collection act july stat emphasis added see also cuddihy collection act significant early search statutes identified techniques search seizure framers vernonia school dist acton amendment believed reasonable framing surprisingly carroll relied statute subsequent ones like arriving views see carroll cf clancy supra plain language amendment mandate individualized suspicion necessary component searches seizures historical record demonstrates framers believed individualized suspicion inherent quality reasonable searches seizures true searches around time fourth amendment adopted required individualized suspicion although search incident arrest obvious example one see cuddihy even searches shared essential characteristics distinguish searches abusive general searches affec one person time krull dissenting generally avoidable refraining wrongdoing see supra protection privacy evenhandedness touchstone fourth amendment view mass suspicionless searches however evenhanded generally unreasonable remains inviolate criminal law enforcement context see ybarra illinois invalidating evenhanded nonaccusatory patdown weapons patrons tavern probable cause think drug dealing going least search minimally intrusive see michigan dept state police sitz upholding brief easily avoidable detention purposes observing signs intoxication motorists approaching roadblock worth noting regard collection testing urine perhaps intrusive searches vernonia school dist acton see bell wolfish visual body cavity searches still particularly destructive privacy offensive personal dignity treasury employees von raab scalia dissenting see also ante skinner railway labor executives hesitated treat monitored bowel movements highly intrusive even special border search context compare brief interrogative stops motorists crossing certain border checkpoint reasonable without individualized suspicion montoya de hernandez monitored bowel movement border crossers reasonable upon reasonable suspicion alimentary canal smuggling easy draw distinction see fried privacy yale culture excretory functions shielded less absolute privacy certainly monitored urination combined urine testing intrusive personal searches said trigger fourth amendment protections past see cupp murphy stewart characterizing scraping dirt person fingernails severe though brief intrusion upon cherished personal security finally collection testing urine course search person one four categories suspect searches constitution mentions name see amdt listing persons houses papers effects cf cuddihy indicating long history outrage personal searches thus remains law police say subject drug testing every person entering leaving certain neighborhood order find evidence crime lafave search seizure pp ed hereinafter lafave vernonia school dist acton true even though hard think compelling government interest need fight scourge drugs streets neighborhoods otherwise evenhanded enough justify evaluating search regime balancing test warrant clause presupposes category searches individualized suspicion see lafave dead letter outside criminal context however response exigencies modern life cases upheld several evenhanded blanket searches including minimally intrusive balancing invasion privacy government strong need cases course distinguishable insofar involved searches either personally intrusive nature searches closely regulated businesses see new york burger cf cuddihy even strongest constitutional restrictions general searches long exposed commercial establishments warrantless inspection arising unique contexts prisons see wolfish supra visual body cavity searches prisoners following contact visits cf cuddihy indicating searches incident arrest prisoner searches common personal searches time founding certainly explains justice scalia dissent recent von raab decision found significant ntil today upheld bodily search separate arrest without individualized suspicion respect prison inmates relying upon uniquely dangerous nature environment von raab supra citation omitted event many cases vernonia school dist acton distinguished grounds suggested important cases see skinner supra blanket drug testing scheme von raab supra cf camara municipal san francisco searches private residences upheld suspicionless search first recognizing fourth amendment longstanding preference search regime pointing sound reasons regime likely ineffectual unusual circumstances presented skinner example stated outright quantum individualized suspicion usually required fourth amendment skinner supra quoting built requirement test announced limited circumstances privacy interests implicated search minimal important governmental interest furthered intrusion placed jeopardy requirement individualized suspicion search may reasonable despite absence suspicion ibid emphasis added obvious negative implication reasoning individualized suspicion requirement place government objectives jeopardy requirement forsaken see also von raab supra accordingly upheld suspicionless regime issue skinner firm understanding requirement individualized suspicion testing train operators drug alcohol impairment following serious train accidents unworkable scene serious rail accident chaotic skinner course plausibly argued fact testing occurred train operators involved serious train accidents amounted individualized suspicion requirement vernonia school dist acton name light record evidence strong link serious train accidents drug alcohol use performed similar inquiry cases well see von raab supra suspicion requirement searches customs officials drug impairment impractical feasible subject employees work product kind scrutiny norm traditional office environments camara supra suspicion requirement searches homes safety code violations impractical conditions faulty wiring observable outside house see also wolfish suspicion requirement searches prisoners smuggling following contact visits impractical observation necessary gain suspicion cause obvious disruption confidentiality intimacy visits intended afford supra requirement stops major routes inland always based reasonable suspicion impractical flow traffic tends heavy allow particularized study given car enable identified possible carrier illegal aliens edwards friendly searches airport passengers luggage impractical great number plane travelers conceded inapplicability profile method detecting hijackers moreover individualized suspicion requirement often impractical cases involved situations even one undetected instance wrongdoing injurious consequences great number people see camara supra even one safety code violation cause fires epidemics ravage large urban areas skinner supra even one train operator lead disastrous consequences vernonia school dist acton train wreck great human loss von raab supra even one customs official caught drugs virtue impairment susceptibility bribes indifference result noninterdiction sizable drug shipmen eventually injures lives thousands breach national security edwards supra even one hijacked airplane destroy hundreds human lives millions dollars property instant case stands marked contrast one searches today majority opinion vain recognition history precedent establish individualized suspicion usually required fourth amendment regardless whether warrant probable cause also required area intrusive personal searches recognized exception situations scheme likely ineffectual see supra far acknowledging anything special individualized suspicion treats regime less intrusive alternative alternative officials may bypass lesser intrusion reasonable estimation outweighed policy concerns unrelated practicability initial matter serious doubts whether right district reasonably found lesser intrusion testing program outweighed genuine concerns adversarial nature program abuses see ante one thing significant safeguards abuses fear regime lead testing troublesome students example ignores required level suspicion school context objectively reasonable suspicion respect vernonia school dist acton facts decision new jersey reassuring found reasonable suspicion search girl purse cigarettes teacher caught girl smoking bathroom companion admitted see moreover distress arising turns false accusation minimized keeping entire process confidential another thing district concern adversarial nature regime appears extend even rightly accused seems ignore fact regime exist vacuum schools already adversarial disciplinary schemes require teachers administrators many areas besides drug use investigate student wrongdoing often means accusatory searches make determinations whether wrongdoing occurred impose punishment scheme drug testing minor addition district elaborate disciplinary scheme reflected handbook among things lists following disciplinary problem areas carrying serious sanctions defiance authority disorderly disruptive conduct including foul language automobile use misuse forgery lying gambling theft tobacco mischief vandalism recklessly endangering menacing harassment assault fighting weapons extortion explosive devices arson record exh see also listing rules regulating dress grooming public displays affection wearing hats inside cf responsibilities schools include develop distribute parents students reasonable rules regulations governing student behavior attendance provide fair vernonia school dist acton reasonable standards conduct enforce standards appropriate disciplinary action high number disciplinary referrals record case illustrates district robust scheme action addition overstating concerns program district seems understated extent program less intrusive students privacy invading privacy students rather many nationwide thousands rather millions giving potential search targets substantial control whether fact searched scheme significantly less intrusive event whether right district reasonably weighed lesser intrusion scheme policy concerns beside point stated search regime less intrusive alternative individualized suspicion requirement legal pedigree old fourth amendment may easily cast aside name policy concerns may forsaken cases personal search context established regime likely ineffectual misconstrued fundamental role individualized suspicion requirement fourth amendment analysis never seriously engages practicality requirement instant case failure crucial nowhere less clear individualized suspicion requirement ineffectual school context schools entire pool potential search targets students constant supervision teachers administrators coaches classrooms hallways locker rooms see proper educational environment vernonia school dist acton requires close supervision schoolchildren record indicates vernonia schools exception great irony case though evidence district introduced justify suspicionless program consisted stories particular identifiable students acting ways plainly gave rise reasonable suspicion drug use thus justified search decision see warrant probable cause required school searches reasonable suspicion sufficient small groups students example observed teacher passing joints back forth across street restaurant school school hours tr apr another group caught skipping school using drugs one students houses see several students actually admitted drug use school officials caught marijuana pipes see one student presented teacher clearly obviously inebriated sent home still another observed dancing singing top voice back classroom teacher asked going replied well high life take final example certain road trip school wrestling coach smelled marijuana smoke hotel room occupied four wrestlers see observation questioning probably given reasonable suspicion test one cf lafave instances evidence wrongdoing prompting teachers principals conduct searches sufficiently detailed specific meet traditional probable cause test light evidence drug use particular students substantial basis concluding vernonia school dist acton vigorous regime testing district appears already rules place see record exh gone long way toward solving vernonia school drug problem preserving fourth amendment rights james acton others like doubt conclusion removed indications record testing supplemented equally vigorous campaign vernonia parents encourage children submit district voluntary drug testing program see describing voluntary program ante noting widespread parental support drug testing circumstances fourth amendment dictates mass suspicionless search regime categorically unreasonable recognize scheme even reasonably effective controlling drug use may effective mass suspicionless testing regime one sense obviously true obviously true law enforcement effective mass suspicionless enforcement might nothing new realization fourth amendment protections come price arizona hicks indeed price pay higher criminal context given police closely observe entire class potential search targets citizens area must ordinarily adhere rigid requirements warrant probable cause principal counterargument central opinion fourth amendment lenient respect school searches doubt correct explains ante schools traditionally special responsibilities children necessitate degree constitutional leeway principle explains vernonia school dist acton considerable fourth amendment leeway gave school officials case held children school enjoy two fourth amendment traditional categorical protections unreasonable searches seizures warrant requirement probable cause requirement see true even though children enjoy protections nonschool setting powell concurring instant case however asks whether fourth amendment even lenient whether lenient students may deprived fourth amendment remaining basic categorical protection strong preference individualized suspicion requirement accompanying antipathy toward personally intrusive blanket searches mostly innocent people clear people prison lack categorical protection see wolfish upholding certain suspicionless searches prison inmates cf supra indicating suspicion requirement impractical wolfish said yet ready hold schools prisons need equated purposes fourth amendment supra thus mean often proclaim students shed constitutional rights schoolhouse gate tinker des moines independent community school answer must plainly vernonia school dist acton contrary position relies cases ingraham wright goss lopez see ante find reliance cases ironic anything affirm schools substantial constitutional leeway carrying traditional mission responding particularized wrongdoing see supra leeway investigating particularized wrongdoing ingraham supra leeway punishing particularized wrongdoing goss supra leeway choosing procedures particularized wrongdoing punished contrast intrusive blanket searches school children innocent evidence serious wrongdoing part traditional school function aware indeed many schools like many parents prefer trust children unless given reason otherwise james acton father said witness stand suspicionless testing sends message children trying responsible citizens prove innocent think kind sets bad tone vernonia school dist acton citizenship tr apr find unpersuasive reliance ante widespread practice physical examinations vaccinations blanket searches sort course practices fourth amendment significance assume physical exams vaccinations typically required similar extent urine testing collection required instant case required regardless parental objection meaningful sanction attaches failure submit event without forming particular view searches worth noting suspicion requirement vaccinations merely impractical nonsensical vaccinations searches anything particular nothing suspicious saying anything new theory part repeatedly upheld certain inventory searches see south dakota opperman approach unhelpful analysis centers upon reasonableness routine administrative caretaking functions physical examinations practicability suspicion requirement highly doubtful conditions physical exams ordinarily search latent heart conditions manifest observable behavior way school drug use see supra might also noted physical exams course vaccinations searches conditions reflect wrongdoing part student wholly nonaccusatory consequences regarded punitive facts may explain absence fourth amendment challenges searches contrast although agree accusatory nature district testing vernonia school dist acton program diluted making blanket one testing program searches conditions plainly reflecting serious wrongdoing never made wholly nonaccusatory student perspective motives program notwithstanding reason substantial consequences flow positive test suspension sports invariably quite reasonably understood punishment best proof district testing program extent accusatory found james acton explanation witness stand want submit drug testing feel reason think taking drugs tr apr hard think manner explanation resonates intensely fourth amendment tradition ii believe suspicionless drug testing justified facts even agreed testing reasonable see two fourth amendment flaws district program first serious virtually evidence record drug problem washington grade school includes grades acton attended litigation began surprising given four witnesses testified incidents three teachers coaches high school see tr fourth though principal grade school time litigation vernonia school dist acton employed principal high school years leading beyond implementation drug testing policy see evidence grade school drug problem review record uncovered guarantee grade school principal problems start high school level started elementary school hope single assertion sort serve adequate basis uphold mass suspicionless drug testing two entire grades vernonia reasoning school districts well perhaps drug problem grade school one know record least insist parties district address issue remand second even high school find unreasonable school choice student athletes class subject suspicionless testing choice appears driven belief pass constitutional muster see indicating original program targeted students involved extracurricular activity belief required meet district principal disciplinary concern reading full record case well district authoritative summary supp seems quite obvious true driving force behind district adoption drug testing program need combat rise disorder disruption classrooms around campus mean criticism strength interest contrary record demonstrates existence problem interest seems compelling without first establishing discipline maintaining order teachers begin educate vernonia school dist acton students powell concurring record case surely demonstrates discipline problem vernonia epidemic proportions evidence sports injury problem vernonia contrast considerably weaker record seems far reasonable choice focus class students found violated published school rules severe disruption class around campus see record exh disruption strong nexus drug use district established trial choice share two virtues regime testing dramatically fewer students tens hundreds giving students control behavior likelihood tested moreover reduced concern accusatory nature search feared badge shame ante already exist due antecedent accusation finding severe disruption lesser known aspect skinner upheld analogous testing scheme little hesitation see skinner describing authorization test cause scheme according train operators tested event certain specific rule violations including noncompliance signal excessive speeding iii often stated greatest threats constitutional freedoms come times crisis must also stay mindful government responses times hysterical overreactions crises quite real serve precisely compelling state interest vernonia school dist acton said may justify measured intrusion constitutional rights way judges mediate conflicting impulses anyway stay close record case appears make judgments based alone reviewed record avoid conclusion district suspicionless policy testing sweeps broadly imprecisely reasonable fourth amendment says pay short shrift original meaning fourth amendment relates searches public school children see ante initial matter historical materials framers thought official searches children let alone public school children concept exist time see extremely scarce perhaps offer account original meaning rather vernonia school dist acton resorts general proposition children fewer recognized rights time framing today proposition seems uniquely unhelpful present case although children may fewer rights private schoolmaster time framing public school officials today parents plainly greater rights time framing example fact child parents refused authorize private schoolmaster search child probably rendered search unlawful common law source schoolmaster authority child delegation parent authority see today course fact child parents refuse authorize public school search child james acton parents refused little constitutional moment cf ingraham wright parental approval corporal punishment constitutionally required agree may assume district program allows students confine advanced disclosure highly personal prescription medications testing lab see ante also agree skinner controls aspect case count disclosure requirement among program flaws page