The educator strives to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The educator therefore works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals.

Yet professional ethics and dispositions, as well as the legal responsibilities of teachers, are central in defining how students view their favorite teacher. Ethics provides a foundation for what teachers should do in their roles and responsibilities as an educator.

Within a state, courts serve a certain geographical area or jurisdiction. When a state court makes a decision, it does not necessarily become state law. It is also important to note that with multiple decisions being made in multiple courts across a state, decisions will sometimes conflict between the different lower circuit courts.

When considering your teaching practice and the role of schools within your local community, be aware of the influence of state and federal laws. As you review case law in one state or across the United States, you will notice that there are several defensible decisions for one single issue. This makes the role and responsibility of schools less clear and more open to ambiguity.

For educators and students, due process requires considering whether a constitutional right has been infringed upon, and then affords the accused student, teacher, school district or state the right to a fair and impartial trial.