Defamation of character, as applied to libel and slander legal decisions, is the subject of this paper. After briefly describing the basis of liability, the author discusses "libels per quod." He then cites numerous court decisions in commenting on mitigating circumstances in action for libel or slander, including absolute privilege,…

Cohort changes in attitudes about the availability of legal abortions are traced over a 12-year period using data from seven national surveys. Contrary to the aging-conservatism hypothesis, trends in the direction of increasingly favorable attitudes between 1965 and 1973 and general stability thereafter characterize all cohorts. On this issue,…

Changes in the prohibition against cameras in state courtrooms are examined in this report. It provides a historical sketch of camera usage in the courtroom since 1935 and reports on the states permitting still, videotape, film cameras, and other electronic equipment in courtrooms since 1978, on the states now experimenting with the matter, and on…

THE FEASIBILITY OF EMPLOYING ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS AS RESEARCH AND OPERATIONAL TOOLS IN THE AREA OF SCHOOL LAW WAS TESTED. TEXT MATERIAL WAS SELECTED, MARKED FOR TYPING BY AN ATTORNEY, AND TRANSFERRED TO MAGNETIC TAPE THROUGH THE INTERMEDIATE STEPS OF PUNCHED PAPER TAPE AND IBM PUNCH CARDS. A CONCORDANCE PROGRAM BROKE DOWN THE TEXT INTO ALPHABETIC…

This practical legal guide for people with breathing and other medical problems, possibly resulting from exposure to asbestos, provides 19 questions and detailed answers about Asbestosis and other diseases resulting from asbestos exposure. Included is information concerning symptoms, difficulty of diagnosis, necessity of a detailed…

In discussing the teaching of communications law, this paper presents a teaching technique for helping students apply the abstract principles of libel law to real situations by having them discuss an item from a mass publication that is defamatory toward some individual or organization. After presenting a series of questions to be discussed, the…

This paper explores some of the implications of cross-ownership of newspapers and other media in a single market and the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in enforcing national policy favoring a deconcentration of local mass media. It describes the history of FCC…

Much of the outcome of the students' desire to direct their lives on and off campus, to shape university policy, and to involve themselves in controversial public issues will depend on the insight of faculties and administrations. Responding to the pressing issue of University principles and practices in regulating student misconduct, Cornell…

This report begins with a general discussion of copyright and computer ust that gives background information upon which the findings of the National Academy of Sciences panel are based. The panel concluded that: (1) computer information processing is of growing importance and involves dealing with copyrightable material, (2) the copyright revision…

This report examines the rationale for opening deliberative processes to the public and discusses, specifically, the Michigan open-meetings law. The following topics are addressed: the definition of public business; the components of a free press; the relationship between open meetings, community expertise, and civic consciousness; and protection…

This report details the proceedings of the second annual conference of the National Coalition Against Censorship, which was held in New York City on 16 February 1977. Among the events covered is a panel discussion of possible limitations on free speech, conducted by four experts in the field of communicatons (Peggy Charren, president of Action for…

Summarized are data on the implementation of due process procedures for handicapped children in Massachusetts. Presented is an analysis of due process hearing characteristics, including number of appeals, characteristics of children and parents, and the types of persons involved in hearings. Implementation problems are seen to include selection of…

Written for the principal, the booklet presents an overview of issues involved in mainstreaming handicapped children. Initial sections address the definition of mainstreaming, the rationale for mainstreaming, and suggestions for supporting the special education teacher. The next three Sections concern the administrative and legal aspects of…

This monograph explores, through two studies, the major issues and mechanics of adult pre-trial intervention programs for non-addict criminal defendents. Part I draws upon an evaluation of research on pre-trial services which aimed at: (1) evaluating the internal and external validity of each study; (2) evaluating the policy utility of specific…

This guide is designed to help teachers understand some basic concepts of school law and how these concepts affect the teacher-student relationship in the classroom. Various legal concepts are briefly presented along with lists of how teachers should handle them in their classrooms. Space is also provided for the teacher to check off whether or…