In July 2000, the Commonwealth Court (of Pennsylvania) issued a decision upholding Bethlehem School District's 10-day suspension of a middle-schooler who had created a website that childishly ridiculed a teacher and the principal. This decision is another that subordinates students' 14th Amendment rights to school-safety concerns. (MLH)

Section A of the Journalism History section of the proceedings contains the following 10 papers: "Mixed Messages in a Progressive Newspaper: The Milwaukee Journal and Woman Suffrage, 1911-1912" (Elizabeth Burt); "The Search for Unity: The Importance of the Black Press in the Emigration/Colonization Issues of the 1800s" (Bernell…

While some analysts have asserted that the First Amendment was intended to prohibit laws against seditious libel (speech overtly critical of the government), the judicial record reveals a willingness to tolerate some onerous infringements on free expression. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 25 states passed "sedition" or…

The United States Supreme Court in New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) extended the scope of protection provided to the press when covering public officials, requiring officials claiming libel by the press to prove "actual malice" (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard of truth or falsity). The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 limited…

Presents a literature review that covers the following topics related to legal aspects of the Web: copyright; domain names and trademarks; linking, framing, caching, and spamdexing; patents; pornography and censorship on the Internet; defamation; liability; conflict of laws and jurisdiction; legal deposit; and spam, i.e., unsolicited mails.…

"Stevens v. Tillman" illustrates the limited reach of federal law in controversies where community activists use extreme, even illegal, methods to exert their will over objecting school officials. Defamation charges against activists for verbal abuses will apparently be very difficult to sustain, given court views that being called a…

Recounts the events leading up to the dismissal of the author as a student newspaper's faculty advisor. Gives particular attention to a letter-to-the-editor policy that led to controversy and criticism. (TB)

Presents a 10-day teaching unit on the law and ethics of press rights, particularly regarding high school student newspapers. Includes unit objectives and suggested resources, as well as sample situations for class activities. (SR)

In "New York Times Co. v. Sullivan," the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment protects news media defendants from libel suits by public officials and public figures. Public college and university administrators are considered to be public officials under this ruling. To prevail in defamation cases, public plaintiffs must prove…

Describes extensive litigation resulting from a geography teacher's characterization of a German-American student as a neo-Nazi. Making a federal case out of this matter was misguided, though "hostile atmosphere" litigation is increasing. Parents could have pursued administrative action through the board of education. Umbrella "hate…

Considers how civil law might treat claims of defamation arising from computer newsgroup postings. Concludes that newsgroup postings will probably be treated as a hybrid of print and broadcast media, and that newsgroup users will vigorously and aggressively protect freedoms of speech and press. While traditional defenses to defamation charges will…

Examines higher education institutional liability in the following areas: (1) in tort, based on negligence, for physical harm to students; (2) in tort, for defamation flowing from student media; and (3) in contract, arising out of student organizations' business relationships with third parties. (222 references) (MLF)

A characterization of the following major legal and political issues surrounding the Internet provides a framework for the future development of the Internet and cyberspace: free speech (libel); intellectual property rights (copyright); jurisdictional questions; and privacy. (AEF)

Although most lawsuits brought by students against a college are grounded on contract and due process theories, courts have been willing to consider students' defamation suits using tort theories. Recent changes in defamation law have engendered increased litigation and risk of liability for faculty and advisors. (Author/MSE)

Analyzes the law of defamation as it applies to teachers with special attention to the public official status of teachers. Concludes that public school teachers who are accused of deficiencies in the performance of their duties appear to have very little protection from false accusations under the law of defamation. (MLF)