Description
This is an advanced course in the common law and constitutional protection accorded to journalists and news organizations involved in newsgathering. Specific topics include journalist’s privilege, access to state and federal government records, access to judicial proceedings, cameras in the court room, and the tension between free speech and fair trial rights. Special emphasis will be on the practical issues confronting counsels to news organizations, such as state shield laws, the Freedom of Information Act, privacy liability, contractual liability, and potential fraud litigation. The course will also look at how media consolidation has affected the rights and liabilities of journalists.
