Law of Journalism and Mass Communication

Robert Trager teaches courses in communication law, freedom of expression, and media institutions at the University of Colorado. He is the founding editor of Communication Law and Policy. Before joining the University of Colorado faculty, Trager was an attorney with a major cable television company and practiced media law with a firm in Washington, D.C. Susan Dente Ross is professor at Washington State University where she serves as the associate dean for research in the College of Liberal Arts. She conducts research on the freedoms of speech and press and the ways in which these rights can help advance greater global equity and justice. She also is a leader in international initiatives to increase the ability of media to contribute to conflict transformation and resolution. Amy Reynolds is dean of the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University. Her research focuses on dissent, First Amendment history, and breaking news. She has written or edited seven books. Prior to becoming a professor and dean, she worked as a reporter at newspapers and television stations.

• Chapter 1: The Rule Of Law: Law In A Changing Communication EnvironmentThe Court SystemSources of the LawThe Case ProcessFinding the LawReading Case LawCASES FOR STUDYChapter 2: The First Amendment: Speech and Press Freedoms in Theory and RealityInterpreting the First AmendmentThe Origins of the First AmendmentFirst Amendment ValuesMedia Emergence, Convergence and ConsolidationContemporary Prior RestraintsPolitical SpeechElections and Campaign FinanceAnonymous SpeechGovernment SpeakersPublic and Nonpublic ForumsCompelled SpeechCASES FOR STUDYChapter 3: Speech Distinctions: Dangers, Fights, Threats, Other Harms and Educational NeedsNational Security and TranquilityCourt Tests to Protect Disruptive SpeechMedia Incitement to HarmMedia and Physical HarmSpeech AssaultsSymbolic SpeechSpeech in the SchoolsOther HarmsCASES FOR STUDYChapter 4: Libel & Emotional Distress: The Plaintiff’s CaseA Brief HistoryContemporary IssuesThe Elements of Libel: The Plaintiff’s CaseEmotional DistressIntentional Infliction of Emotional DistressNegligent Infliction of Emotional DistressCASES FOR STUDYChapter 5: Libel: Defenses and PrivilegesFair Report PrivilegeFair Comment and CriticismOpinionNeutral ReportageWire Service DefenseSingle-Publication RuleThe Libel-Proof PlaintiffOther Defense IssuesCASES FOR STUDYChapter 6: Protecting Privacy: Conflicts Between the Press, the Government and the Right to PrivacySources of Privacy ProtectionElectronic Privacy and the Supreme CourtPrivacy Law’s DevelopmentFalse LightAppropriationIntrusionPrivate FactsCASES FOR STUDYChapter 7: Newsgathering: Pitfalls and ProtectionsAccess to PropertyNewsgathering PitfallsCovert RecordingNewsgathering ProtectionsAccess to MeetingsDenying Access to RecordsCASES FOR STUDYChapter 8: Reporter’s Privilege: Protecting the WatchdogsReporter’s PrivilegeShield LawsBreaking Promises of ConfidentialitySearch WarrantsCASES FOR STUDYChapter 9: The Media and the Courts: Preserving Public Trials and Preventing PrejudiceFair Trials and Prejudicial SpeechRemedies to PrejudiceAccess to TrialsElectronic Access to TrialsBench-Bar-Press GuidelinesAccess to Court RecordsCASES FOR STUDYChapter 10: Electronic Media Regulation: From Radio to the InternetFederal Communications CommissionBroadcast RegulationCable Television RegulationDirect Broadcast SatellitesInternet RegulationCASES FOR STUDYChapter 11: Obscenity, Indecency and Violence: Social Norms and Legal StandardsObscenityIndecencyVideo Games and Media ViolenceCASES FOR STUDYChapter 12: Intellectual Property: Protecting and Using Intangible CreationsCopyrightTrademarksCASES FOR STUDYChapter 13: Advertising: When Speech and Commerce ConvergeThe Evolution of the Commercial Speech DoctrineLegislative and Administrative Advertising RegulationCASES FOR STUDY

"As with its previous editions, the 5th edition of The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication provides up-to-date court rulings that make First Amendment law more relevant to undergraduate college students, who are generally intimidated by law and do not fully understand their First Amendment rights and responsibilities. This text is an engaging blend of the landmark court decisions that have formed the foundation of First Amendment law with current decisions that are re-shaping First Amendment law in the age of Internet and social media."