Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Record 2008-2009 
    
Graduate Record 2008-2009 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

LAW5 691 - Free Expression in Cyberspace


The focus of this course is the rapidly evolving body of law that defines freedom of expression on the Internet. Although the Supreme Court unanimously declared in 1997 that digital speech is entitled to the same protection as speech in more traditional forms, many difficult issues remain for the courts and for lawmakers. The first part of the course will address the nature of expression in new media, potential liability for threats and incitement on the Internet, remedies against digital defamation, the status of obscenity and child pornography in cyberspace, the increasingly complex issues of “indecent” Internet material and material that is “harmful to minors,” and regulation of commercial speech (including “spam”) on the Internet.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: An advanced First Amendment course and/or Constitutional Law II: Freedom of Speech and Press recommended, but not required.

Credits: 3