I was listening to music in class and the teacher took my phone up I had headphones in and my student right next to me was listening to music with his droid as loud as it would go without any headphones yet she took mine and gave it to the principal and now the principal says I must pay 15$ to get it back is that legal? Can I get my phone back any other way? ~Texas

Does the school district have a policy providing for such a fee?

First, why were you listening to music in class? Why do you have such little respect for your teacher and the education system?

But it depends on the school policy. If the school has such a policy it can do it. If not, it may be illegal.

It could be considered a fine or penalty for breaking school rules, or a payment to cover costs of enforcing the rules.

If this is a school policy and done to everyone that has phones taken, I see no reason they can't

You have to pay the fine as you got caught. You could have loudly complained about the kid who had the droid playing loud music at the time yours was confiscated and demand that his be taken and have him pay a fine as well. The teacher should have taken everyone's music playing device, not just yours.

Is this confiscation fine listed in the school's written policy?

Do your parents know that you had your phone taken and exactly why?