JRN552: Graduate Media Law
SYLLABUS
Everything you need to know about this course is found here. This includes course learning objectives, textbooks, topics, assignments and course policies. |
WEEKLY MODULES
The weekly lessons are available on the Quinnipiac Blackboard site, as required by QU Online. The current week's module is available to see below with previous ones lower on the page. |
Module 7: Fair Trial vs. Free Press
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Understand the complexity of the fair trial-free press conflictExplain the Sheppard v. Maxwell decision and apply its findings to modern, highly publicized cases
- Identify and explain the six tools judges have at their disposal to protect defendants' rights
- Define and explain the appropriateness (of lack thereof) of gag orders
- Explain how technological advances continue to agitate the conflict
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Mod 7 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 7 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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Module 6: Privacy
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Define and explain the four privacy torts: (a) Intrusion, (b) Private Facts, (c) False Light & Fictionalization, (d) Misappropriation
- Know the cases associated with each tort
- Memorize and explain the five privacy defenses
- Know when it is acceptable to go undercover, use hidden cameras and voice recorders (answers may vary by your state)
- Understand what happened in and the ultimate implications of Bollea v. Gawker ("Bollea" is better known as HULK HOGAN!)
- Understand what HIPAA means for journalists, as well as for private citizens.
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Mod 6 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 6 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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Module 5: Libel
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Define "libel" and "slander"
- Explain the differences between "actual malice" and "negligence"
- Know the five elements that must be present for an ACTIONABLE LIBEL to occur
- Know the three defenses to libel
- Explain the importance of the seminal case New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) and what libel law was before this case
- Understand and explain the differences between a "public official," a "public figure" and a "private person"
- Understand how libel law translates to social media
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Mod 5 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 5 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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Module 4: Newsgatherers' Privilege
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Understand how far journalists can -- and legally can't -- go to protect the identity of sources
- Explain what a "shield law" is
- Understand your state's shield law
- Identify and understand "Reporter's Privilege"
- Intelligently ponder (and maybe even answer) the question: "Who is a journalist?"
- Identify and legally explain incidents when journalists have gone to jail to protect sources
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Mod 4 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 4 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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Module 3: Freedom of Information & Access to Places
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Identify and understand the statutory laws that permit public access to the documents generated by government agencies and to the meetings of government bodies
- Identify what you as a citizen and journalist are allowed to access
- Explain the federal Freedom of Information Act, or "FOIA" (You will hear reporters refer to this as "FOY-UH." Just FYI.)
- Memorize and understand the limitations of FOIA (Much of this will be revisited when we tackle PRIVACY)
- Understand how to use the Clery Act
- Explain your state's FOI laws
- ** Know how to acquire information granted under FOIA and Sunshine Laws -- I was toying around with the idea of having you write one that is specific to your home state. I decided against it, but expect to see it on the test.
- Know what to do as a citizen/journalist if a Freedom of Information Law is violated
- Know where you are legally permitted to be as a reporter
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Mod 3 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 3 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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Module 2: Content Regulation (Fair Use & Copyright)
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Identify what can and can not be copyrighted
- Explain the process of securing a copyright
- Identify what a copyright givs you
- Memorize and understand the Fair Use Doctrine
- Identify alternatives to traditional copyright law
- Explain how copyright and fair use have evolved with the advances of technology
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Mod 2 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 2 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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Module 1: The U.S. Court System & Prior Restraint
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Understand the role and the structure of the U.S. Court system
- Identify the path of a lawsuit through the above court system
- Understand and recognize the uniqueness of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by tracing the law's history and theories surrounding its importance
- Identify modern challenges to the First Amendment
- Identify and understand foundational cases of PRIOR RESTRAINT (censorship)
- Understand "time, place & manner" regulations and why they exist
- Detail the cases assigned to be briefed
- Understand what happened in and the long-term ramifications of the Pentagon Papers affair and the Edward Snowden case
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Mod 1 Activities
In order to achieve the learning objectives, students must complete the following:
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Mod 1 Cases (to be briefed)
See instructions for how to brief a case on Blackboard and use the outline as an example to brief the following:
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