Comparative Media Law

This course explores the intersection of media and the law, focusing on the impact that the law has upon the media as it gathers information and publishes the news.

Students will become familiar with U.S. cases addressing the issues of libel, appropriation, public information, reporter's privilege, and access to criminal proceedings. Using British law as a point of comparison, students will investigate different legal approaches that can be employed in a free and democratic society for balancing the interests of government openness and press freedom with countervailing interests in ensuring privacy, protecting individual reputation, and guaranteeing fair trials.