This paper offers a discussion of the rulings of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) related to Section 315 (a) of the Communications Act of 1934--the section concerning equal access to broadcast media by all political candidates. Following a general discussion of Section 315 (a) and the exemptions that are part of the act, the paper then…

Discusses censorship issues, such as the "decency clause," that affect both commercial and collegiate theater. Examines how the subject has been weighed and viewed by courts from a number of perspectives. (SR)

First article in two-part series on date and acquaintance rape explains unique circumstances of rape trials and looks at development of traditional rape law. Examines judicial history of rape, and reviews elements of rape (penetration, intent, force, and consent). (Author/NB)

Discusses negligence in defamation cases before the United States Supreme Court's decision in "Gertz v Robert Welch, Inc."; shows that courts have varied in what actions by reporters and editors they have considered negligent. (GT)

Questions concerning the relative protection afforded by the speech and press clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the law of libel, and protection for the editorial process are the focus of this paper. The first section summarizes arguments for First Amendment press protection, focusing on the question of whether…

This paper briefly describes the history of the Golden Fleece Award given monthly by Senator William Proxmire for "the biggest waste of taxpayers' money" in the form of grants for research. It particularly focuses on the case brought by Dr. R. R. Hutchinson who was the recipient of the Golden Fleece Award for his research on the…

This compilation of materials from the SLATE (Support for the Learning and Teaching of English) Steering Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English reflects the ongoing concerns and discussions that SLATE has held about the free exchange of thoughts and ideas throughout its history. The collection contains "starter sheets"…

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…

Discusses issues involved in the 1977 United States Court of Appeals decision in "Edwards vs National Audubon Society," which provided a First Amendment shield for the news report of one public figure's attack on the character or performance of another. (GT)

A review of recent state court decisions in libel cases suggests that the law of defamation is in as much disarray as it was when the Supreme Court recognized the problem and tried to remedy it with its 1974 decision in "Gertz v. Robert Welch Inc." (GT)

Demonstrates the importance of extra-legal texts in contextualizing and challenging judicial authority by analyzing Black Abolitionist responses to "Scott v. Sandford" (the "Dred Scott" decision). Concludes that responses to Dred Scott demonstrate how legally excluded classes may persuasively challenge constitutional authority…

Second in a 3-part series of case studies tracing the impact of the "Anglo revolution" on New Mexico, this article traces the effect of the "Anglo revolution" in the history of New Mexico's vast Maxwell Land Grant, which involves property ownership and property law. (Editor/NQ)

Describes the public harassment--including obscenity suits and police intimidation--met by the "Great Speckled Bird," an underground newspaper published in Atlanta from 1968 to 1976; reports the success of the paper in dealing with much of the harassment. (GT)

Using various primary data sources regarding the character of judiciary activities since the early 1800s, this article examines the charge that the U. S. Supreme Court has become increasingly "imperial," with judges despotically usurping and exercising power. Data analysis fails to support this claim. (JDH)

The article analyzes the proposed Maine Settlement. It also looks at a viable alternative to the settlement based on the premise that Indian tribes can survive only as nations, not as state municipalities or United States landowners. (Author/SB)