Media Law

3 units

This course will cover a wide range of legal issues relating to the contemporary news media, including the law of newsgathering, defamation and other speech-based torts, privacy rights, prior restraints, confidentiality of sources, and constitutional and statutory rights of access to information. Students will also consider emerging issues, such as politically-charged defamation cases and proposed regulation of social media companies. Grades will be based on an exam and will also take into account class participation and attendance.