Source: https://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/06/al.0627.murphy.htm
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 19:58:02+00:00

Document:
What You Don't Know About IDEA 2004 & NCLB CAN Hurt You!
The question presented in Arlington v. Murphy was whether the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act authorizes prevailing parents to recover fees for services rendered by experts in IDEA actions.
Justice Alito, author of the majority decision, wrote,"We hold that it does not." Justice Breyer wrote the dissent and was joined by Justices Souter and Stevens.
After Pete attended oral argument in Arlington v. Murphy on April 19, 2006, he wrote, "After listening to oral argument, it was my sense that the Supreme Court will decide that the word 'costs' does not include reimbursement for expert witness fees."
Read U. S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument to learn why Pete predicted a 5-4 or 6-3 vote.
In his Analysis of Arlington v. Murphy, Pete summarizes the majority and dissenting opinions.
He provides an overview of the background of the case and describes the different roles that lay advocates and expert witnesses play in resolving special education disputes.
"From a psychological perspective, the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington v. Murphy may cause parents to think twice before initiating litigation - not a bad thing."
"If parents have taken the appropriate steps, they will use evidence from the psycho-educational evaluation by the private sector expert to support their position that the school's educational program is not appropriate and needs to be changed."
"It is unlikely that parents will fail to take the necessary steps to prepare for litigation because they do not expect to recover fees for their 'expert witness.'"
Wrightslaw Note: Analysis of Arlington v. Murphy by Pete Wright may be photocopied and distributed.
For additional information about the case, and links to decisions, pleadings, amicus briefs and news, please go to the Arlington v. Murphy page.
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