student benefit theory
student-benefit theory. A principle that allows state funds to be provided to private-school pupils if the allotment can be justified as benefiting the child. • The Supreme Court upheld a Louisiana law that allowed the purchase of textbooks for all children throughout the state — even those in private schools — under this theory. Cochran v. Louisiana State Bd. of Educ., 281 U.S. 370, 50 S.Ct. 335 (1930). — Also termed child-benefit theory.
