I need help with an assignment
CONCEPT
Regulation of the Internet and other electronic communication has been an area
of many First Amendment and right to privacy cases in American courts during
the past several years. People wondered if the court system would find the
Internet to be more like print communication, or more like electronic
communication; or would the court come up with new rules to govern freedom
of expression on the Internet.
In July of 1997 the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 “that communication via the
Internet deserves the highest level of First Amendment protection, protection
comparable to that given to newspapers, magazines, and books.” Why do you think
the court saw the Internet more like printed material and
not like TV, radio and cable?
Did the court make the right decision? Why or why not?
Do you agree with Justice John Paul Stevens who said that “encouraging
freedom of expression in a democratic society outweighs any theoretical but
unproved benefit of censorship”?
What about protection of children and other “sensitive” members of society
who may abuse the Internet? Who, if anyone, is responsible for their
protection? Should there be different rules for children than for adults like there
are for cigarettes, alcohol, driving, etc.
While opinion is an important part of this assignment, opinions must be based
on facts. All work must be original.
Your paper must be a minimum of 8 pages, double-spaced. Research is an
important part of this assignment, so I expect you to cite at least five different
sources in your document. Your text may serve as one of your sources. Internet
sites may also be cited by giving the URL and date you accessed the information.
FINAL FORMAT
• Cover Paper (Name, Course, Semester)
• 8 Full Pages (Cover & Works Cited do not count)
• Double Spaced
• Times New Roman/Cambia 12-point font only accepted
• Works Cited Page (Proper formatting required)
• APA Style Required
SUBMISSION ITEMS
• Submit your research paper into Blackboard by the due date.
GRADING
Grading will be based on your grammar, cohesiveness, the use of proper citations,
points made, and intended purpose.
LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
100 PointsRE
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COM 441
MASS MEDIA LAW