Exploring Communication Law: A Socratic Approach

Based on the Socratic dialogue method, Talking about Communication Law provides the fundamentals for discussing controversial issues in communication law and asks thought-provoking questions to promote debate.

Providing the basic framework of the law with discussions focusing on the major cases in each area, Talking about Communication Law begins with the material related to the First Amendment's free speech and free press clauses, then proceeds through the various topics derived from those freedoms, including libel, privacy, access to information, the media and the courts, broadcast regulation, intellectual property, and business communication. Conciseness and clear language are its strengths, as are its readability and engaging approach. Point-counterpoint essays, frequently asked questions, chapter glossaries, and case problems encourage students to take an active approach to learning and create a running dialogue with the reader.

The first one-third of the book deals with the First Amendment as applied to political speech, campus issues, and sexual expression. The second one-third deals with issues in journalism, broadcasting, and cyberspace. The last one-third deals with issues related to communication in business, such as advertising, public relations, and intellectual property.