Legal Teams

Course Description
This course examines the legal frameworks in which mass media function in the United States. Of paramount importance is the relationship among government, mass media, and the general public. The relationship includes

1. legislation (Congress);
2. regulatory policy and actions (Executive); and
3. criminal and civil judicial actions.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, the student should be able

• To understand the fundamental principles of U.S. law;
• To articulate knowledge of important precedent setting cases;
• To discuss legal interactions in terms of social, political, and economic impact.

Texts

• Communications Law: Liberties, Restraints, and Modern Media Fourth edition, by John D. Zelezny
• Cases in Communications Law Fourth Edition, compiled by John D. Zelezny
• The New York Times (Online)

Assignments
All assignment must be completed.

1. Students will complete (3) three examinations.
2. Students will complete one (1) Essay. The essay will express the student's position on the following topic:
   "The Patriot Act: Freedom of Speech and Press in the United States since September 11, 2001." The essay should demonstrate the student's ability to think in a legal framework about public communication. Citation of appropriate sources is expected.
3. Students will write three (3) Case Summaries (see Case Summary).
   Case summaries are due on Exam days. They constitute part of the exam. The following cases are assigned:
   1. WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC., ET AL., PETITIONERS v. VILLAGE OF STRATTON ET AL.
      536 U.S. 150 (2002)
      Due February 5 (Exam #1)
   
   
   
   2. RICHARD E. SNYDER, Plaintiff, v. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, Defendant.
      UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
      230 F. Supp. 2d 17 (2002)
      Due March 18 (Examination #2)
   
   
   
   3. FORT WAYNE BOOKS, INC. v. INDIANA et al.
      489 U.S. 46; (1989)
      Due April 29 (Examination #3)

4. Students will participate in the development of a legal brief for a case to be determined. The group will submit the brief in advance of oral arguments to be made as part of a final presentation.
   • Example of a Amicus Curiae brief for the petitioner
   • Example of Amicus Curiae brief for the respondent
   
   

   Grading
   Course assignments and examinations will be weighted as follows:

   Exams (100 points each)	300 points
   Essay	200 points
   Group Brief/Presentation	200 points
   Case Summaries (100 points each)	300 points
   Total	1000 points

   
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   The final grade will be based on the following scale:
   

   Points	Grade
   1000-890 points	A
   889-790 points	B
   789-700 points	C
   699-600 points	D
   599 points-below	F

   
   Course Policies
   1. You are expected to attend class.
   2. All assignments must be turned in. Failure to turn in an assigment will result in a grade of F for the course.
   3. No late assignments will be accepted. Due dates are stated in the syllabus.
   4. No handwritten assignments will be accepted.
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   Campus Services
   1. If you have or aquire a disability and would like to find out what special services may be available to you, contact Services for Students with Disabilities in WU 118 & 218 (481-6657, voice/TTY).
   2. The IPFW Writing Center: You can improve your writing by getting one-on-one feedback from experience writers in Kettler G35, the Writing Center -- an excellent resource for all writers. Their motto is "Every Writer Needs a Reader." Bring your written assignment, due dates, questions, ideas, and draft (if you have one). The consultants will help you with brainstorming, developing, and organizing ideas, working on issues of meaning and style, and polishing and editing final drafts. Because it takes time to learn how to present your ideas clearly in writing (the Center is not a "fix-it" shop), you will benefit most by coming to the Writing Center regularly. Sign up for appointments ahead of time.

   Case Summary
   Each student is required to write three case summaries. The summaries describe the specific Court's findings.
   
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   Each summary will include:
   • Heading: Provide the case name and the year of the decision. Proper legal citation must appear under the case heading.
   • Facts: Summarize the essential facts of the case that initially lead to the legal conflict, followed by the legal history of the case up to the Court decision being briefed.
   • Issue: State the legal issue or issues raised on appeal.
   • Decision: Summarize the Court's rationale for its ruling. In other words, why did the Court arrive at its decision. Indicate who wrote the opinion and who joined in that opinion. Make sure to summarize any concurring opinions.
   • Dissent(s): Summarize any opinions that dissented from the majority or plurality.
   • Rule of law: In one final sentence, state the legal rule or principle that may be derived from the case which should guide future conduct in similar matters.
   
   
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   Group Brief (to be announced later in the semester)
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   URL:http://www.ipfw.edu/comm/courses/ spring01/com352.htm
   Revised: 9 January 2001

   M01