786 Media Law

Today, thanks to the internet, everyone is a publisher. This class will examine the regulation of communications media, including newspapers, broadcast media, social media, and internet content generally. It will survey the First Amendment principles underpinning protection for speech and address current events and ongoing debates about the media, including “fake news,” blockbuster defamation cases, and social media content moderation. This class will also cover topics specific to the practice of media lawyers, such as pre-publication review, prior restraints on speech, defending subpoenas, reporters’ privilege, and access to information. Students will be assessed on their completion of three written projects.

Enrollment Pre-/Co- Requisite Information

This class can serve as a pre- or co-requisite for enrollment in the First Amendment Clinic.

Course Areas of Practice
Evaluation Methods
  • Simulated Writing, Litigation
  • Class participation
Degree Requirements
Course Type
  • Lecture

Fall 2023

2023
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

786.01 2
  • Simulated Writing, Litigation
  • Class participation
Sarah H. Ludington, Amanda Martin

Today, thanks to the internet, everyone is a publisher. This class will examine the regulation of communications media, including newspapers, broadcast media, social media, and internet content generally. It will survey the First Amendment principles underpinning protection for speech and address current events and ongoing debates about the media, including “fake news,” blockbuster defamation cases, and social media content moderation. This class will also cover topics specific to the practice of media lawyers, such as pre-publication review, prior restraints on speech, defending subpoenas, reporters’ privilege, and access to information. Students will be assessed on their completion of three written projects.

Pre/Co-requisites

This class can serve as a pre- or co-requisite for enrollment in the First Amendment Clinic.

Fall 2020

2020
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

786.01 3
  • Simulated Writing, Litigation
  • Take-home examination
  • Practical exercises
  • Class participation
Nicole Ligon

This class will examine the regulation of communications media, including newspapers, broadcast media, social media, and internet content generally. Students will consider current events and ongoing debates regarding mainstream media, “fake news,” social media platforms, and leak investigations, while also exploring the historical and jurisprudential underpinnings of First Amendment and media law. In weighing the interests of the free press against competing interests like privacy, security, and reputation, this class will cover topics such as defamation, rights of publicity, privacy, and access to information. Students will learn skills relevant to defending reporters and other members of the press in litigations and advisory matters.

Pre/Co-requisites

This class can serve as a pre- or co-requisite for enrollment in the First Amendment Clinic.

*Please note that this information is for planning purposes only, and should not be relied upon for the schedule for a given semester. Faculty leaves and sabbaticals, as well as other curriculum considerations, will sometimes affect when a course may be offered.