This paper explores the rights of authors before publication of their works, if those works are to be published at all, and how these rights might yield to fair use of the works by other authors. Firstly, the paper examines the interests at stake of the three main groups involved: authors, the public, and people who wish to quote or closely…

This paper analyzes how absolutist arguments against campus harassment codes violate the spirit of the first amendment, examining in particular the United States Supreme Court ruling in "RAV v. St. Paul." The paper begins by tracing the current development of first amendment doctrine, analyzing its inadequacy in the campus hate speech…

Suggesting future lines of inquiry for policymakers and others, this report attempts to distill the essential points of discussion and debate that occurred during a conference on electronic media regulation and the first amendment attended by 21 experts representing legislative, regulatory, business, judicial, academic, audience, and media…

This information memorandum describes three federal laws which govern public access to federal records and the treatment of personally identifiable information by federal agencies or under federal programs. It is noted that these laws generally apply only to federal agencies in the executive branch of government. The first of four major sections…

Noting that there are no easy answers when a photojournalist is subjected to a legal request for his or her work products from governmental officials, this paper examines how state and federal laws and court decisions have both enhanced and inhibited a photojournalist's right to protect negatives, photographs, films, and videotapes from government…

The individual's right to privacy has evolved into a concept that can affect photojournalists' newsgathering efforts in nearly every state in the nation. In addition to the many states that have recognized the right of privacy through common or statutory laws, the United States Supreme Court has dealt with the issue of an invasion of privacy by…

Noting that the "marketplace of ideas" metaphor often used in the study of freedom of speech is drawn from classical economics, this paper cites J. Murray's definition of the concept as "the idea that citizens in a democracy are well served if opinions of all kinds, accurate or inaccurate, are freely circulated." The first…

Public opinion and communication in Ghana share four characteristics typical of totalitarian Communist societies. (RB)

Shows how four postwar crises contributed to increasing official controls and restraints on a culturally pluralistic system of mass communication. (RB)

Reviews the legal grounds on which school officials may limit or prohibit the distribution of printed material on school premises and examines the legal issues involved in school regulations requiring prior approval of written materials before they may be distributed. (JG)

The results of a recent survey of educators on controversies over materials and topics, solutions of controversies, sources of pressure to avoid controversial materials and topics, and climate for innovation are presented. (Author/DE)

Discusses the case of Professor Ehlen at Concordia Seminary in Missouri who was denied reappointment and dismissed in February 1974 for reasons concerning his interpretation of passages from the Old Testament. (Author/PG)

The administration of Houston Baptist University, while proceeding in accordance with its interpretation of institutional policy, terminated the appointment of Dr. Talley, who had served in excess of the probation period at the time he was notified of the action. The administration acted without specific cause and without demonstrating cause.…

Describes the models and programs being developed by the Commission of Inquiry into High School Journalism to improve the quality of journalism education at the secondary level. (RB)