The course will start with basic topics in communications law: free speech and press; libel basics, proof of fault, and defenses; the right to information - information-gathering, news sources, and free press-fair trial; regulation of obscene and otter erotic material; a brief treatment of copyright law focusing on current issues in mass media law; and regulation of advertising and telecommunication. Based on U.S. law, this course will involve international comparisons throughout the course.
The final part of the course then turns to issues dominating the headlines today, starting with the basics of laws governing invasion of privacy and application (or deficiencies) of existing laws in situations such as electronic surveillance and web monitoring of user information. “Information privacy,” or an individual’s right to control personal information held by others, will underlie much of this discussion.
The course will require active student participation, including discussion of such issues as domestic surveillance, identification systems, social networking sites, video surveillance, DNA databases, the European privacy directive, and the growth of the Internet. Students will have regular assignments requiring them to monitor of current issues.
Based on the textbook, Mass Media Law (Pember, McGraw-Hill) 19th Edition 2014, which is available on Amazon in Kindle edition for $138, or in published copy for $150 plus shipping, ISBN 978-0077861421 .
