Mass communication law in a nutshell

Mass Communication Law in a Nutshell satisfies the need for a basic text in communication law, not only for law students but for journalism and communication students as well. Highlights of the Seventh Edition of the popular book include a discussion of the USA Patriot Act, the Critical Infrastructure Information Act exemption to the Freedom of Information Act, government initiatives such as warrantless eavesdropping on telephone calls following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and recent FCC regulations authorizing a low-power radio service, digital television (DTV), high-definition television (HDTV) and digital must-carry regulations. Further highlights include Congress' passage of the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act following Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction," litigation involving filtering software and the Child Online Protection Act (COPA), Congress' attempts to control "spam" on the Internet.

The first amendment in perspective -- Defamation and mass communication -- Privacy and the mass media -- The First Amendment and emotional and physical harm -- Copyright and trademark -- Restraint of obscene and indecent expression -- Restraint of the press for purposes of national security -- The free press--fair trial conflict -- Freedom to gather news and information -- Newspersons' privilege, subpoenas, contempt citations and searches and seizures -- Regulation of commercial speech -- Regulation of broadcasting -- Cable and other technologies.