Communications Law: Liberties, Restraints, and the Modern Media

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Personal injury lawsuits against the media...invasion of privacy...copyright and trademark law...corporate and government speech...music licensing...unfair competition. These and other topics are covered fully in John Zelezny's "survival kit" for anyone who works in media. Throughout, Zelezny passes on to the reader a deep appreciation for the liberties provided by a tradition of free speech but zeros in on the restraints imposed by the most significant and current legal rules and principles. Diagrams, boxed inserts, photographs, sample documents, and other graphics are used throughout this dynamic presentation. Hypothetical puzzles begin each chapter to engage readers and serve as a springboard into the material. Case excerpts in most chapters show readers the legal process at work. Many practical tips, references to communications contracts, and descriptions of common professional practices show how the law actually affects daily life in the media industries.

SYNOPSIS

Zelezny, a licensed attorney and formerly a professor of media law, explores the legal principles that influence mass communication in this text for students who will work in journalism and other forms of mass communication. Coverage of Internet issues involving technology and cyberspace law is new for this edition, and there are new chapter Web resources, along with expanded discussions of First Amendment rights and post-September 11th restrictions on speech and privacy. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

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