Media Law

This course explores various areas of media law, both traditional and digital, as emerging technologies shape the rights and legal limitations of those in the media industry. Topics may vary depending on student interest and current events. Some examples of subjects covered: First Amendment (speech and press), defamation, prior restraint, jawboning, invasion of privacy, protection of confidential sources, newsgathering, access to information, net neutrality, Freedom of Information Act, Section 230, content moderation, FCC media ownership rules, new media regulations, copyright. Students will learn the basic elements of the law (e.g., First Amendment doctrine, statutory laws) relevant to the media industry; understand different perspectives in free expression debates, especially as they are shaped by cutting-edge technology (e.g., social media platforms, generative AI); and experiment with using media as a form of advocacy. There will be written assignments and a final presentation. No final examination or final paper. This course may not be used to satisfy the Upper-class Writing Requirement.