Parents say they shouldn't need a lawyer to sue over son's SPECIAL-ed needs

Supreme Court (AP) If parents want to sue public school districts in federal court over the special education needs of their children, should they have to hire a lawyer? It's an issue that's been heard today before the Supreme Court.

A lawyer for an Ohio couple with an autistic child told the justices they shouldn't be prevented from fighting for changes in their child's education just because they can't afford a lawyer.

In this case, by the way, he's representing them for free.

Jeff and Sandee Winkelman argue that the main federal special education law protects the rights of parents as well as children.

But a lawyer for the school district disagrees.

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