Welcome, Summer 2021 class!

 Welcome to my Media Law blog. I use this blog as a teaching tool that allows me to comment on current events and topics related to media law. It also allows you to participate in discussions involving media law topics.

As the name of the blog suggests, I want you to use this forum to speak freely about the topics that we will discuss during the summer session.

We will discuss some controversial topics -- and often, we may not agree. You may not agree with me, or you may not agree with your classmates.

But this is a forum of expression, so you have the right to express your opinion. My opinion is not correct just because I'm the instructor. You should feel free to disagree with me.

Think about this as the First Amendment in practice.

A few ground rules, please. Some of our discussions may become heated. While you have the right to express your opinion, I urge you to be considerate of others, especially those with whom you disagree. Avoid attacking or belittling someone just because you disagree with his or her opinion. And, I suggest you double check your comment for grammar, clarity and sensitivity before you post.

With your comment, please include your first name and the initial of your last name. I need this information to keep track of your comments for participation points.

You can get an idea of how I used this blog in past semesters, though you are not responsible for reading or commenting on previous blog entries.

Now, let's start with something light.

Share with us a favorite book, movie, TV show, song, etc., that is related to law, then tell us why it's your favorite and include a brief summary of the work.

I'll go first. In past semesters, the movie I would call my favorite was "Twelve Angry Men" -- the original with Henry Fonda. But in 2012, I saw Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and was thoroughly impressed. The movie recounts President Lincoln's effort to encourage Congress to pass the Thirteen Amendment, which abolished slavery. A movie about passing a constitutional amendment? How perfect for a media law prof!

I look forward to reading your comments.

Farewell, Spring 2021 classes!

As we celebrate the end of this spring semester, I want to thank you all for a great semester.

I've enjoyed discussing Media Law topics throughout the semester with you. I greatly appreciated your insight, inquisitiveness and desire to learn. After all, I can't do what I do if it weren't for you. You help me see these materials with fresh eyes, and I am very grateful.

My heart goes out to all of you. I hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy as we endure the coronavirus. Congratulations to those that are graduating next week. I won't be able to attend, but I'll be cheering for you from afar.

We started the semester with my question to you to name a favorite law-related book movie, TV show, or song. Allow me to end it with a line from a favorite law-related movie of mine, “The Shawshank Redemption,” a movie about Andy Dufresne, a man wrongly accused and wrongly convicted of murder. Late in the movie, he writes a letter to his friend Red.

“Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

I wish all the best for you wherever life takes you. Please keep in touch. Best wishes.