The purpose of this study was to investigate how courts deal with issues related to the broad definition of free appropriate public education (FAPE) as it pertains to the least restrictive environment (LRE) for the provision of special education services as legislated though the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal decisions briefed for this study attempt to provide a deeper understanding for administrators of what constitutes free appropriate public LRE placement decisions for students with disabilities.