Contemporary Problems in Freedom of Speech and Press – 6030

This course will consider how growing concerns about privacy andnational security will affect traditional First Amendment legal theoryand practice. We will examine significant court decisions andstatutory and regulatory schemes, such as the PATRIOT Act, as well asinternational initiatives, such as the European Directive on DataProtection and "The Right to be Forgotten." We will consider theirimpact on U.S. law governing prior restraints, news gathering anddissemination, access to courts and to government information, as wellas government surveillance and regulation of electroniccommunications. In addition to participating in class discussions,students will write and orally present a research paper on a relevantlegal topic selected in consultation with the instructor.The class is cross listed with Jour 5777.