Discussion 1: The Fundamentals of the U.S. Media Law
After acquiring the textbook, start reading and commenting on Chapters 1 and 3. Tell me what
you think is most important about the first few chapters and why. In other words, what stands out
to you from these readings? Your responses over the next two weeks and, most importantly, your
essay in the Assignments tab (see Module 1 Commentary), due Tuesday, January 24 at 11:59,
are worth 10 points.
I look forward to your feedback (at least two on each module) and your comment on the
Assignments tab.
Module 1 Commentary
In 250-300 words, explain which source of law you consider most important, if any. Be sure to
explain why. Use Chapter 1, The Law in Modern Society, to answer this question.
Indicate the “word count” at the end of your comment.
Rubric
Instructor’s Rubric, 10 Points
Criteria Ratings Pt
s
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Quality of Writing
Thoughtful and polished writing, without grammatical errors.
3
pts
Fu
ll
M
ar
ks
0
pt
s
No
M
ar
ks
3
pts
https://fiu.instructure.com/courses/155454/discussion_topics/1680906
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Demonstration of knowledge
The answer is based on textbook reading or other legally reliable
information.
3
p
t
s
F
u
ll
M
a
r
k
s
0
p
t
s
N
o
M
a
r
k
s
3
pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Critical Thinking or Interpretation
The student engages in or strives to offer a critical analysis or
personal interpretation of the assigned material that is likely to
generate discussion.
4
p
t
s
F
u
l
l
M
a
r
k
s
0
p
t
s
N
o
M
a
r
k
s
4
pts
Total Points: 10
Module 1: Basics of the U.S. Legal System
In this module, we will identify the sources and types of U.S. law, namely constitutional,
statutory, administrative, common, equity, and international law, which prevail in most, if not all,
countries of the world. Next, we will learn about the structure and main characteristics of the
U.S. legal system.
Unit-Level Content:
● Law and ethics in context.
● The sources of law.
● The U.S. legal system.
Unit Objectives:
● Identify the six sources of law.
● Explain the U.S. judicial structure and process.
● List the main types of federal and state courts.
Tasks:
● Review the First Amendment Timeline (Free Speech Center, MTSU). See also The
First Amendment Chronology
● Links to an external site.
● .
● Read Schenck v. the United States. The earliest best known U.S. Supreme Court case
about freedom of speech/press (go to findlaw.com Year 1919).
● Read What is Communication Law
● Links to an external site.
● (BarMax Exam Review Course).
Resources:
● Textbook, W. W. Hopkins (Ed.).
● Syllabus (Chapter 1, pp. 1-22; Chapter 3, pp. 35-46).
● CANVAS platform (e.g. see Discussions/Assignments in navigation bar).
● BarMax (Bar Exam Review Company).
● Findlaw.com
Learning Activity:
● Read chapters 1 and 3 to participate knowledgeably.
● Make notes/flashcards to retain technical legal language.
https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/page/first-amendment-timeline
https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/page/first-amendment-timeline
https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/page/first-amendment-timeline
https://testmaxprep.com/blog/bar-exam/communication-law
https://testmaxprep.com/blog/bar-exam/communication-law
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Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
