The summer session is so fast, isn't it? We've covered so much information.
As you reflect on all of the cases and doctrines and defenses, what do you find most memorable? What stirred you to anger, or happiness? What tickled you or annoyed you most? Is there one topic or case that sticks out in your memory?
Pick a case or a topic that affected you most and share in the comments.
48 comments:
This class has been one of the best classes I've taken at Texas State. I feel I actually learned something here. A sticking issue that has been in my head EVERYDAY has been "unpopular opinions are protected by the first amendment." It makes sense now, why hateful people who express themselves in such manners are not in jail. It's great that it's protected, but not so great to hear them. It's annoying.
I'm still baffled that OJ Simpson can be innocent in a criminal court, but guilty in a civil court. You would think that one decision would be the same in both courts, but I understand the different standards in each court make it so that this might happen. I can't get over it though!
I think that the libel cases are the most interesting to me, particularly the Twitter case involving the moldy apartment complex. As an internet commenter, most people think that they can say whatever they want without consequence, and generally use the medium as a forum for over exaggeration. Its interesting to understand the fine line people walk every day between free speech and libel.
- Wade e
Mayra Toscano said...
I can not believe the first summer session has come to an end. It definitely flew by, I suppose it's because I found this class to be so intersting that I didn't even notice time pass. The case that stood out the most to me is Brown v. Board of Education, I love that Thurgood Marshall took a stand for the voiceless. I can't imagine what schools would be like today if no one took a stand.
This was my last class for graduation, and I'm glad I will be leaving TXST with such a memorable course. I have learned so much in these past few weeks. I enjoyed this class so much I wish I would have majored in law. The case that has left an imprint in my mind is the Food Lion case. I just can't wrap my head around a company that would sell rotten meat to their customers. I especially love the way the USSC court sent them the message with $2 for fraud and breach of the duty of loyalty.
This class was very memorable and interesting to me! The case that I find to be most memorable was New York Times v. Sullivan, USSC 1964. As an advertising major, I found it interesting that something so small such as that particular newspaper ad could blow up into an issue so large. Large enough, even, to make it to the USSC! Thank you for a great semester!
Megan I.
This class has been so interesting and insightful and I definitely feel like I've learned more about the judicial branch than any other government class has taught me. The cases that stick out to me the most are the string of cases that deal with contraceptives and right to privacy. They stick out to me the most because to me it is a representation of how our society is becoming more and more progressive, and it gives me hope for the future. Although I feel like we have quite a ways to go before we have equal rights for everyone, it is refreshing to see how far we've progressed in a somewhat short amount of time.
Michael Hubbell
I feel like I have learned more in this 5 week summer class than I learn in a regular semester. This class contains so much information but I enjoyed learning about the court cases. Particularly the Food Lion v. Capital Cities because of the overall message. I thought it was crazy how the court awarded Food Lion $5.5 million dollars in punitive damage then the next court reduced it to $315,000 and finally it was reduced to $2 which is more a slap in the face rather than an award. The judge was showing that Food Lion was correct on what they pressed charges for, but they were doing horrible things with tampering the meat in their stores and the story needed to be heard by the ABC undercover staffers. I just really liked how the judge taught a lesson with this court case.
Coming into this class I was nervous it would be hard to follow like my business law class. I am so pleased that everything was organized and laid out in such an easy to understand way. I really enjoyed this class and learned so much more than I expected. One thing that will stick with me most is that there is so much more protected under the First Amendment than I realized. I always wondered how the Westboro Church got away with protesting at funerals and saying all the horrible things that they say. Learning about that case and how they were actually on public property and protected for freedom of expression blew my mind. Thank you for a great summer class!
This class was actually not what I expected at all. I thought it was going to be boring and rigorous. But I loved the class! The summer class is definitely fast paced but I didn't hAve any trouble paying attention. I like the fact that opinions and conversations were encouraged, it made the class enjoyable. By far the most interesting topic for me was the homosexual privacy cases. I had no idea that privacy rights and privileges were granted for homosexuals so late in history. I wasn't aware of the triumphs that many other minorities had to over come in the law as well.
By far the most the issue that angers me the most is Snyder v. Phelps. I just feel like there needs to be a line that we are not allowed to cross. I do understand that making a law that prevents the Westboro Baptist church and similar groups (if there are any other groups like the Westboro Baptist Church) would be considered a content based law and would have to go up against strict scrutiny. But there need to be certain circumstances in which the government will protect the families of fallen soldiers. I do believe that the Westboro Baptist Church should have the right to believe whatever they (no matter how ridiculous and hateful those beliefs are). They should have the right to protest outside of government buildings or even right outside of a gay pride parade. Their message is purely hate filled, and as far as I can tell the basis for their whole belief system is purely anti-homosexual, but just like the Ku Klux Klan is allowed to rally in public, so should the Westboro Church. But outside a funeral is completely unnecessary and really has nothing to do with what they are preaching. Nobody should have to deal with a protest outside of a funeral for a loved one.
-Chris Smith
This class went by so fast. I really wasn't looking forward to this class, but I am really interested in this now. I actually learned something! It was fast paced but for being only five weeks I'm taking away a lot of useful information with me. Thank you for such a great class. The case that stuck out the most to me was the Food Lion case (like some other classmates have already mentioned). It just really grossed me out that they would tamper with the meat. I thought it was great when they only came out with $2 after all was said and done. It really was a slap in the face. Glad ABC was able to show this and let the people know what was going on behind the scenes.
Leanna T.
I have to admit that I had different expectations for this class. It certainly has it's challenges but the lectures made the overall course leaps and bounds more enjoyable than I anticipated. Thanks for making an effort to gain our interest and attention. The case that stood out to me was Lawrence V. Texas. I can't say that I'm surprised it started in Texas. However, it's upsetting how recent this occurred. It's kind of embarrassing that a society can be so advanced as far as technology, medicine, ect. and yet have many basic civil rights setbacks.
Jessica L.
I will say that this class really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. It is one of the first classes that I have actually really learned the material and taken away the majority of the class. What really bothered me was the sodomy cases. When it was ruled that they had no privacy rights. I am really interested in are the IP laws and such. I really like hearing what people think about legally obscene content and pornography. It's interesting to me to see where a case or topic can lead the class conversation.
I'd have to say that Hustler Magazine v. Falwell was the most riveting and satisfying case I studied over the course of this semester (largely, of course, due to NYT v. Sullivan). The details of the Hustler case, over the course of trial to USSC, encompassed much of what we talked about in class and provided a very tangible understanding of how exactly the first amendment can be used both offensively and defensively (and how/why the USSC decides the way they do). I'll have to agree with several of the comments above in that this class has been incredibly fulfilling. Law might be my thing after-all.
I can't believe it's almost over. This class was way more entertaining than I had originally expected. I think you did an awesome job of getting the classroom involved and it was pretty impressive that you could remember all of our names. I remember being a bit uneasy about the Dennis V. United States and Yates V United States cases. Even though the courts decided to protect their first amendment rights it still banned the use of force if necessary. We wouldn't be the United States of America if we hadn't used force to gain our freedom. But on that same token I guess if we ever had to overthrow a tyrannical government by force than the laws would all be thrown out the window anyway. Anyhow. I had a great time in the class. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer!
The case that stuck to me the most would have to be Eldred v. Ashcroft. I find this case to be memorable because of what Lawrence Lessig argued for Eldred and also Lessig’s TED video. The case made me think of our generation as the generation that makes things of our own. We have a voice so “loud” that no one else in history has ever had before, we can make others listen with the help of the internet. The printing press, the radio and TV all have a form of censorship but, like Reno v. ACLU demonstrated, the internet has the highest First Amendment protection and it’s my generation, the 18- to 29-year-olds, who are setting this new trend in history, a trend that defines the meaning of technology, freedom of speech and creativity. I’ve got to say, the class discussions, the cases and the topics we learned and talked about both intrigued me and challenged me to open up my mind to new ideas and beliefs. Thank you for teaching a great class!
-Andrea G
After this class I will officially be a graduate of Texas State University, kinda sad since after 5 years I think I finally have this studying thing down :) My favorite issue was one we mentioned a few times during the semester- OJ Simpson. I don't know why this intrigued me so much. Maybe because I feel like I can relate to the pop culture references or maybe because this summer was the 20th year anniversary of the 'white bronco car chase.' I actually went out and bought the book we mentioned in class 'If I Did It.' I'm excited to read it and get some more info on what really went on.
Ashley Ford
Hmm... Let me think. I guess what stood out to me the most is probably Sanders v. Acclaim Entertainment. Not because it was completely new, but because video games are a close topic to me. If you look at my Timeline pic, I'm holding an Xbox One and PS4. I'm so glad that violence in video games and anything else controversial haven't taken a hard hit. I get tired of people who don't play video games make such a negative fuss about them. I've played through some of the pretty extreme ones and I won't even swat a fly. Seriously.... So the claim saying video games cause you to be violent is B.S. If games took a hit, it would be for no actual benefit.
Jonathan R.
Even though I wouldn't say my grade particularly reflects it, I did find this class interesting. Many of the cases and decisions surprised me. I think the most disturbing to me were the privacy cases. The fact that Lawrence v. Texas was only 11 years ago is mind-blowing. Throw in that anyone can put your business on the front page like they did to Sipple is also a little concerning. I think that the next 10 years will be full of interesting decisions made by the USSC. As said in class, technology is moving faster than the law. Specifically I'm curious about drones being used in a commercial market rather than just military. There will be hard choices to make and judging from history, mistakes will be made.
-Nicole T.
Overall I found the cases we discussed interesting. One thing that I did not like is how the government in my opinion creates loop holes to save their own asses or to rule in favor of something that wouldn't stand according to the previous decision or law. A good example is how the original copyright act keeps changing or the time period keeps getting extended. That is ridiculous to me. I can't help but think these changes involve power and money over what our founders originally intended. In other news the flag burning cases stick out the most. They hit really close to home.
I'm not sure if any of the cases mentioned really affected me too much, but all the cases involving gay and lesbian rights really annoyed me.
I am all for letting whomever love whomever, whether it is two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl. I have a cousin and a lot of friends who are actually gay, so I like to stick up for them and their rights, just like any other couple. I think times are changing and I'm hopeful that one day soon everyone will be on the same page about gay rights, but in the mean time it just makes me mad. Not that I'm gay, but I think they should be able to get married, have kids, etc.
This class did go pretty quickly though, it's crazy how time flies when you're having... fun? ;)
Amanda Emmons
Yes, this session went by so fast! I would have to say "Fuck the Draft" is the most memorable thing for the case Cohen v. California. I don't know it just tickled me to death that day in class.
-Paitra Pleasant
This class was very interesting and I learned a lot. It made want to wake more law classes in the future. A case that sticks out to me is Falwell v Hustler Magazine because the court ruled in favor of a dirty magazine and against a reverend, proving that our justice system is blind to who you are or what you do. What it is focused on is upholding and creating laws that are fair for everyone. I think that is pretty cool, and makes me proud to live in a country that takes its citizens rights so seriously.
Julian Liles
At first I was very nervous about this class, because it seemed like it would be very difficult to remember all of the different laws and such. Thankfully it wasn't!
Probably my favorite thing was the sports references and making fun of OJ Simpson in his continuing criminal mischief.
I can't believe this class went by so fast but, I definitely learned a lot and would recommend this class to Mass Comm majors here at Texas State.
Definitely the Westboro baptist church's protest of Mr. Snyder's son's funeral sat with me very heavily. Granted, Mr. Snyder wasn't fully aware of the protest and you discussed in class today that ethically its not something we look upon with good graces but it is still protected under the law. Like you said, we may think that their right to protest should be taken away due due in part to their message, but what about when it comes to our free speech?
I can honestly say that Media Law was one of my favorite MC classes, and wish it didn't end so quickly! I enjoyed learning about each and every case we discussed. It is interesting to put these cases into perspective and understand how much our freedom has evolved as time has progressed; time can ultimately change the outcome of a case, it just depends on the era and what is seen as socially acceptable during the time a case is reviewed. Sometimes it takes a serious case to happen in order to make some changes in our laws for the greater good of all.
Thank you for a great class!
I really enjoyed this class and your lecturing in general. You have a rare talent of making a law class really enjoyable. I've recommended your class to a few people already. Thank you for making it so easy to learn!
One case that will be forever ingrained in my mind is New York Times v. United States. That case reminded the world of the true intended purpose of the media. The New York Times did such a great job at doing exactly what the media are supposed to do. Seek the truth for the people and be watch dogs to prevent an oppressive government.
Have a great summer!
-Dominique M.
This summer session did fly by pretty quickly. I have to say that all of the landmark cases we covered are pretty memorable but one case that is particularly notable is Snyder v. Phelps. This case helped me understand the USSC's latest decision to strike down Massachusetts' buffer zone outside abortion clinics. The pre-media-law-class me would have been very upset. In fact, a little part of me still is. However, Snyder v. Phelps and other related cases taught me that the First Amendment cannot be conveniently granted to some and not others. Although the Westboro Baptist Church is extremely offensive in their protests, we have to give them their right to do so. Our protection of the First Amendment is actually a really admirable and beautiful thing. I really enjoyed this course. Thank you for teaching it so well!
Rebecca R.
We have definitely covered a lot of information this summer session, but I enjoyed listening to majority of these court cases. A few of them stick out in particular: Cohen V. California, Snyder V. Phelps, and Food Lion V. Capital Cities. I'm not really sure why the Cohen case stuck with me, but it did. I guess the whole idea of having that kind of message on your jacket is pretty crazy. The Snyder V. Phelps case just irritates me every time I think about the Westboro Baptist Church and I can't believe how much BS they get away with!! & how could I forget about the Food Lion case-How Disgusting!
This class definitely surprised me and was a lot more interesting than I had pictured it would be. Overall I really enjoyed the class! Thanks for a great summer session!--Amber Wolf
One thing I liked about this class is how much I could relate to a lot of the topics we discussed. The final day of class we talked about ethics, and focused on the way the Record chose to post the video of the car crash on their Facebook page, and whether or not it was ethical. I was assigned to write about the same car crash for the Star, and was unsure about how much detail to include about the way the men died and the allegations of drunk driving out of respect for their families. After class, I felt like I was better prepared to make a decision. My favorite case to learn about was New York Times v. Sullivan. I love that the First Amendment protects the press even if it may be against the best interests of the government that created it.
I found out through this class that I'm actually interested in law. I mean I always kept in with major court cases but after taking this class I understand now why the courts rule what and why! You made the class interesting and I loved that you used events that are going on currently with us to also discuss to better help our understanding. I really see why as a PR major this class is vital to take. The Westboro Baptist Church annoys me everytime they make headlines but I now realize why even though what they saw is so hateful it is protected because we live in a country that protects our freedom to express our opinions (despite how twisted they are) and beliefs. I found a new appreciation for our founders and Constitution and those who uphold it.
Lauren Kurie
The topic I connected with the most is privacy. In high school my best friend and I agreed to be filmed walking through halls/near lockers/etc for a local D.A.R.E. (drug abuse resistance education) commercial. My friend was dating the videographer whose father owned the business so we even got to help with the editing process, which is where my interest in electronic media began. However, a few months later they split up. About six months after that, I had family in the Oklahoma City area calling me asking why I was in a commercial for "troubled pregnant teens." That was news to me! Apparently the company didn't think we'd know or care that they used part of their old footage in this new commercial but it was very upsetting because my face was attached to the pregnant teen stigma in an area where a lot of my family and friends would be seeing it. I eventually agreed not to make them pull the commercial as I knew it would cost them a couple thousand to re-do everything but I did make them pay me double what the original filming paid and made sure to do some image control until everyone knew what had really happened. So even though I'm a private person and this wasn't anything too widely disseminated, it was interesting learning about the different aspects of privacy and seeing where my instance is similar to others that we covered.
-Berlynn Yates
I enjoyed how interactive this class was. I never fell asleep, even though the material wasn't always scintillating, the professor and classmate comments made it relative to today and very engaging. I found the Hustler v Falwell case the most memorable since I knew nothing about it previously, and I also found it very funny. Never thought I'd hear about a Reverend having sex with his mother in an outhouse. Hahaha. I'll never forget this summer semester, what a class.
The thing that I enjoyed most about learning about in the class this semester were all of the free speech cases. It really bugs me that the Westboro Baptist Church cases are protected by free speech, but now that I understand media law, i can understand why it is protected.
This semester sure did go by super fast! I can't believe it's already over. Let's see, so many different things sparked my interest these past few weeks. The first thing that comes to mind off the top of my head was the Horizon Reality case about the girl on twitter. It just goes to show how careful everyone needs to be with what they post online in this age of technology and social media. I've always been intrigued by the OJ case and getting to learn more about that in class was very interesting. Thank you so much for a great semester!
I really enjoyed this class; it is one of the only times in my college career that I felt there was true discussion going on, rather than a professor just lecturing. My favorite cases involved the First Amendment and libel. Also I found learning the structure of our court system and the story of a lawsuit to be very helpful for the rest of the material we covered. Something about the organization of the course worked for me. I also learned that I like the precision of word use within legal writing, i.e. the difference between "compelling" and "important."
-Trevor Smith
The topic I enjoyed learning about most was copyright and trademark laws. With technology expanding the way it is, it's interesting to hear how these effect us literally with everything we see and hear. It's definitely something relateable to my major so that makes it even more interesting to me.
Absolutely loved this class, best class I've taken at Texas state.
Katie m.
The Fair Use Doctrine and Creative Commons is what stuck out the most to me. Why? Well, simple because we are creative people. We've learned to make things from nothing and we've also learned to use things to make something else. The Fair Use Doctrine gives a bit of freedom to use the created to re-creat, as well as Creative Commons, as Lawrence Lessing said "It is now anybody with access to a $15000 computer who can take sounds and images from the culture around us and use it to say things differently. These tools of creativity have become tools of speech. It is a literacy for this generation. This is HOW THEY SPEAK."
We are a cretive and inovative generation who comunicates through ways you'd never expect.
I'm so upset with the Hazelwood case. It is unfair how these students have very important topics to write about that relates to their classmates. I really don't see how these articles can do any harm. If anything, they could help students who struggle with their parent's divorce or those who are pregnant.
I really enjoyed this class and learned so much that I will surely remember from now on. I really wish this stuff was taught in highschool because it's actually useful. The case that really bothered me was Bowers v Hardwick. This case was so recent and the fact that the justices considered gays and lesbians as second class citizens was so infuriating. Knowing that people like that are deciding whats constitutional or not makes me afraid of what the future law has in store for us.
Thank you for teaching me how much power the people really have, although its about coming together and taking a stand.
What stuck with me the most are the decisions the Supreme Court has made over time. Government and politicians generally get a bad rap when it comes to protecting freedom, but when you look at the history of court decisions it seems that the Supreme Court is concerned with safeguarding freedom. It gives me more faith in the system.
This summer session flew by and we all survived! I really enjoyed this class, it was a lot of information to retain but it was taught in a way that kept everyone interested and related to current time. I learned a lot in this class and think it will be beneficial in my career in public relations. The case that is most memorable to me is Food Lion v. Capital Cities. I have worked in the food industry and I know how important all of the rules and regulations are. This taught Food Lions a lesson when their reward was reduced all the way down to $2. They had a valid point against Capital Cities but they needed to know what they were doing was wrong. I hope everyone has a great summer!
I really enjoyed this class! I had heard horror stories from friends that had taken it in previous semesters but I found it really interesting and useful. The topic that struck a chord with me the most was the hate speech cases, and then a couple of weeks ago when there was vandalism at Sanctuary Apartments here in San Marcos. All the court cases we studied were from a while ago and far away, and then for that to happen here in San Marcos in 2014 really disgusted me. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion and is guaranteed freedom of speech, but this really served as a supplemental teaching of the topic and one in which I will not forget. We still have a long way to go until people will be accepted for whatever religious belief they follow or there skin color and even sexual orientation and preference.
I really learned a lot from this class. I think the one case that stood out above the rest was the Tinker case. I love how students finally were able to get expression rights. I like how the students began to protest the Vietnam war by wearing armbands, even after the school passed a rule stating that students cannot wear black armbands to class. The students in this case, unlike the other student case, finally received the respect they deserved.
Sarezh S.
I thought this class was gonnna be horrible. I was pleasantly surprised when G-Mart explained everything so well and tried to make it interesting. The topics weren't boring and I feel like a learned a ton in five weeks! This was the last class I had to take fror my electronic media major and it ended on a sweet note. My favorite case was the Pentagon Papers case because it was such a victory for our field and allowed the New York Times to truly carry out its duty to be a watchdog of the government! Really enjoyed the class.
Stacie H.
I enjoyed the Falwell case. I was pretty taken aback that Hustler was able to get away with something so ridiculous. However, I am glad to see the USSC step up and grant them First Amendment protection. If anything, I suppose the USSC does have some sort of sense of humor.
Martinez is definitely the easiest professor to listen to I've ever had. I love a prof. with a good sense of humor.
The case that will stick with me the most is the Oliver Sipple case. Mainly because his story hit so close to home with me. It was sad to learn about the aftermath of the Court ruling in the newspaper's favor. The ruling really pissed me off since I can imagine how Sipple felt. But, I will also never forget the Falwell v. Hustler Magazine case. It was just too wild, humorous and absurd to forget.
Sam Mawell
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