LAWS330

This class studies the history and philosophy behind laws and regulations affecting free expression in the United States. Of special interest are media organizations and practitioners--the legal environment facing journalists, broadcasters, and advertisers, including libel, privacy, regulation of radio-tv, fairness doctrine, and commercial speech. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major legal, ethical and policy issues related to the mass media. This will be done by exposing students to primary documents and cases as well as to methods of analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to explain in broad context, existing media law and policy and be able to critique and analyze future laws and policies. Students should also be able to articulate the ethical issues that are relevant to media conduct.