Chapter 3 Study Guide: Due Wed., Sept. 12, 6 p.m.

STUDY GUIDE FOR COMMUNICATION LAW Fall 07, Ch. 3
“Contemporary Problems”
NOTE: PLEASE TYPE -- DO NOT HANDWRITE. Thank you.

The following is a list of some of the contemporary free speech issues discussed in your book.

1. Student free speech rights: k-12 schools and colleges, including student media and book banning
2. Time, place and manner restrictions for demonstrations, soliciting, etc.
3. The war on terrorism
4. Election campaigns
5. Prior restraint
6. Hate speech and fighting words

Choose any two from the list and write 400-500 words on each issue, addressing the following:

What, exactly, are the special, specific and, possibly, new contemporary First Amendment concerns about this topic? What kinds of decisions have the courts had to make about this issue recently? Have First Amendment rights in this area expanded in recent years or been more curtailed? Please explain your answer. Which of the cases mentioned do you find the most interesting? Why?

If you copy any portion of your answer directly from the book, please use quote marks and clearly note which page(s) you are quoting from. I expect most of this to be in your own words, not the book’s. You are welcome to consult other sources, including people.