Law Commons^™

Cameras In The Courtroom: Guidelines For State Criminal Trials, Nancy T. Gardner

Michigan Law Review

This Note analyzes the conflicting interests involved in televising state criminal trials and proposes a model set of guidelines for consideration by states that decide to permit electronic media in their courtrooms. The Note favors restrictions on broadcasters once in the courtroom and advocates that the defendant's right to a fair trial receive more scrupulous protection than the broadcast media's interest in attendance and the public's "right to know." Part I presents the constitutional principles with which any set of guidelines must comply. Part II analyzes the policy considerations that should guide the formulation of state guidelines, and concludes that …

Sex Discrimination In Newscasting, Leslie S. Gielow

Michigan Law Review

This Note argues that the current judicial deference to viewer surveys used by television stations in newscasting employment decisions is unwarranted. Part I explores how different treatment of women newscasters constitutes sex-plus discrimination. Part II demonstrates that viewer surveys almost always reflect sexual stereotypes that are impermissible under title VII, and argues that such surveys should be presumptively inadmissible as evidence to rebut a claim of sex discrimination. Indeed, mere use of these surveys may in and of itself establish a prima facie case of sex discrimination.

Part III contends that sex discrimination in the news industry resulting from the …

Misrepresentation And The Fcc, Brian C. Murchison

Scholarly Articles

None available.

Antitrust And Nonmarket Goods: The Supreme Court Fumbles Again—National Collegiate Athletic Association V. Board Of Regents, 104 S. Ct. 2948 (1984), Jonathan E. Seib

Washington Law Review

In National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Board of Regents, the Supreme Court held that the NCAA's regulations restricting television broadcasts of college football games violated section one of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The result stemmed primarily from the Court's conclusion that the regulations did not promote their asserted purposes. However, the crucial aspect of the opinion is that, contrary to what precedent would suggest, the Court determined that the NCAA's purposes were legitimate in the first place. This Note addresses the question of why the NCAA Court reasoned the way it did and examines the means by which it arrived …

The Pursuit Of Pluralism: The Lessons From The New French Audiovisual Communications Law, Michael I. Meyerson

All Faculty Scholarship

Electronic mass communications, which have become increasingly influential over the past quarter century, have also undergone rapid and profound technological change. Constitutional governments around the world have struggled to apply their fundamental legal principals to the electronic media through sensible and balanced regulation. Perhaps the central problem in such regulation is to protect truth in the media, mainly by encouraging diversity, without allowing the regulators themselves to exert undue influence over what is disseminated over the airwaves and cables of a country's communications infrastructure. The following article traces the history of France's attempts to solve this problem in its electronic …

Qualified Common Law Privilege For News Reporters In Criminal Cases—State V. Rinaldo, 102 Wn. 2d 749, 689 P.2d 392 (1984), Susan Ward

Washington Law Review

In State v. Rinaldo, the Washington Supreme Court extended the news reporter's qualified common law privilege to criminal cases. This extension will adequately protect most confidential information held by reporters. In some cases, however, defendants will be able to defeat the qualified privilege announced in Rinaldo. The Washington courts should then construe article 1, section 5 of the Washington State Constitution to require in camera inspection of the information sought. The trial judge should order disclosure only upon concluding that the defendant's interest in obtaining the information outweighs the news reporter's interest in confidentiality.

The Cable Communications Policy Act Of 1984: A Balancing Act On The Coaxial Wires, Michael I. Meyerson

All Faculty Scholarship

After three decades of what Chief Justice Burger termed ‘the almost explosive development’ of cable television, Congress updated the Communications Act of 1934 with the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. The Act represents the culmination of a ‘decade long effort to update the Communications Act of 1934 . . . and bring our outdated communications laws into the information age.’ The 1984 Cable Act was a complicated piece of legislation, the result of countless compromises and political deals. This Article explains how Congress attempted to balance the competing, and sometimes mutually exclusive, interests of the cable operators, cities, video …

The Authority To Repeal The Fairness Doctrine Rests Solely With Congress, J. Clay Smith Jr.

Selected Speeches

No abstract provided.

News Of Crime: Courts And Press In Conflict, Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

A Review of News of Crime: Courts and Press in Conflict by J. Edward Gerald

Intra-Corporate Communications: Sufficient Publication For Defamation Or Mere Corporate Babbling, Daven G. Lowhurst

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Should courts find that a defamatory communication made between employees of the same corporation does not satisfy the publication requirement of the tort of defamation? The author examines case law on both sides of the publication issue and argues that neither the cases which established the "no publication rule" nor the theoretical underpinnings of the tort of defamation can support the requirement of publication in cases of intra-corporate communications. The author concludes that the traditional theory, finding a sufficient publication as soon as a third person has understood the communication as defamatory, reconciles the defamed individual's right to sound reputation …

The Cable Communications Policy Act Of 1984 V. The First Amendment, Scott Sibary

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

The issues of access and cable television regulation pose serious constitutional questions. This article examines the first amendment implications of regulating cable television. The author provides an overview of cable's regulatory history and the legislative history of the Cable Communications Policy and Telecommunications Act of 1984 (CCPA). The author concludes that current laws, without the CCPA, are sufficient to protect and promote the marketplace for mass communications media.

Disabled Patrons Of Amusement Parks: A Survey Of Legal Issues, Susan E. Morton

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Every year increasing numbers of disabled patrons are visiting amusement parks. Focusing on the areas of admission, accommodation and safety, this article addresses the special needs of these patrons, and the need for their consistent and fair treatment within the amusement park industry. First, the article stresses the need for states to enact civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination against disabled persons by amusement places. Second, architectural barriers statutes must be extended to apply to privately owned buildings and recreation areas in order to provide the disabled access to amusement parks. Most importantly, safety policies of a park must be carefully …

California Extends The Rights Of Publicity To Heirs: A Shift From Privacy To Property And Copyright Principles, Susan G. Bluer

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Prior to January 1, 1985, California law regarding the scope of the right of publicity was unclear, particularly on the question of whether the right was descendible. With the enactment of California's new statute extending rights of publicity to eligible heirs, the state now offers the most expansive protections of publicity rights. This note examines the history of the publicity right, comparing California law to that of other states. The author argues that the new California statute is commendable in giving control over use of the celebrity's image to heirs and concludes that the California statute should serve as a …

Requiem For A Parody, Randall B. Hicks

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Although parody is a meritorious form of literary expression, parodists are often subject to allegations of copyright infringement based on substantial appropriation of copyrighted work. The author examines judicial applications of the "fair use" doctrine as codified in the multifactored balancing test of section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976. The author finds the balancing test to be so vague that courts have virtually unbounded discretion in its application. Indeed, courts have abused their discretion in consistently finding no fair use in sexually-oriented or allegedly obscene parodies. The author concludes that the balancing test must either be applied without …

Preemption Of The Louisiana Software Enforcement Act By Copyright Law (Or Suffocation By Shrink-Wrap), Stacy Snowman

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Federal copyright law provides a major source of protection for computer software. Due to the rapidly changing nature of software and the software market, however, software developers are asking the states for additional protection. The author examines the Software Enforcement License Act - an attempt by Louisiana to remedy the problems software authors face in the mass market and concludes that it is preempted by federal copyright law. The author suggests that amendment of the federal copyright law would be more appropriate and effective.

The Right Of Publicity: A Comprehensive Bibliography Of Law-Related Materials, Frank G. Houdek

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

No abstract provided.

Television Docudramas And The Right Of Publicity: Too Bad Liz, That's Show Biz, Lisa A. Lawrence

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

The docudrama, the presentation of real events and real people through the medium of film, has greatly increased in popularity during the past decade. Unfortunately, the effect of the right of publicity on this medium of expression is uncertain. The author examines the right of publicity and its application to the docudrama. The author finds that traditional right of publicity actions are inapplicable to docudramas which are accurate portrayals and suggests a solution to guide television networks through the legal uncertainties.

Public Access Channels In Cable Television: The Economic Scarcity Rationale Of Berkshire V. Burke, Laurel L.F. Garrett

Kentucky Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Will The Real Cable Television Industry Please Stand Up: The Divergent Regulatory Treatment Of The Cable Television Industry Prior To The Cable Communications Policy Act Of 1984, Michael A. Mcgregor

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

The cable television industry has received seemingly inconsistent treatment from the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has characterized the industry both as a vigorous competitor in the marketplace and as a weak and vulnerable competitor in need of regulatory protection. The author examines the contexts in which these differing characterizations have been applied and finds they are not distinguishable. The author concludes that the FCC has not engaged in reasoned decisionmaking but, instead, has acted arbitrarily and capriciously in its decisions concerning the cable television industry.

Attorneys And The California Athlete Agencies Act: The Toll Of The Bill, Adam B. Nimoy, Jackson D. Hamilton

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Agents have become a rising force in the sports industry. Their increased role in contract negotiations has brought with it increased scandal. The authors analyze the problems with the regulations promulgated by the various player associations as well as the California Athlete Agencies Act. The authors focus on the efforts of the California Legislature to alleviate these problems by amending the Act with Senate Bill 11 this year. The authors applaud the amendment and state that, with more involvement by the player associations, the sports industry will be much improved.

Joy In Wrigleyville - The Mighty Cubs Strike Out In Court, Steven J. Elie

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

A suit by the Chicago Cubs baseball organization attempting to overturn amendments to the Illinois Environmental Protection Act as well as a city ordinance which prohibited certain nighttime athletic contests failed. The principle argument advanced by the Cubs was that the legislation was designed solely to apply to the Cub's baseball park, Wrigley Field, and thus violated the special legislation prohibition of the Illinois Constitution. The court refused to accept this argument, taking the language of the statute on its face as also applying to future stadia. The author suggests that given the strong feelings of the city and state …

Don’T Be Co-Opted By The Folks Who Brought Us Vietnam, Grenada, And The Iranian Rescue Fiasco, Harvey L. Zuckman

Scholarly Articles

No abstract provided.

Per Se Legality In Copyright Licensing, Lawrence J. Siskind

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

There is an inherent tension between the law of antitrust and the law of copyright. While the former prevents monopolies, the latter creates them. In order to reconcile this conflict the author suggests application of a rule of per se legality to exclusive territorial licenses of copyrighted works. Such an approach would provide copyright holders with a certain legal standard, not now available under the indefinite Rule of Reason. The author argues that there is authority for such a rule of per se legality based on the Copyright Act of 1976, precedent in patent law and the concept of copyright …

Neutral Propaganda: Three Films Made In Canada And The Foreign Agents Registration Act, Anne Dorfman

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Should a film be labeled with the perjorative term "propaganda" simply by virtue of its political subject matter and its being made in a foreign country? The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) was originally passed in 1938 as a means of informing the public that certain films and other material had been developed by the Nazi's and other "subversive" organizations. The author explores the recent Justice Department usage of FARA to label three Canadian films "political propaganda." The author concludes that the applicable section of FARA has a chilling effect that violates fundamental first amendment rights.

Peanuts And Potatoes: The Fcc's Diversification Policy And The Antitrust Laws, Dennis M. Cusack

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

The FCC has regulated the ownership structure of the broadcasting industry in order to protect the public's interest in the free dissemination of diverse ideas. Citing the competition offered by new communications technologies, the FCC recently raised significantly the limits on group ownership of radio and television stations. This note argues that the premise behind ownership deregulation-that free market forces and the antitrust laws are sufficient guardians against excessive concentration-is flawed when considered in light of the first amendment underpinnings of the FCC's diversification policy. The author concludes that, while some deregulation may be necessary at this time, the FCC …

Protecting The Press By Protecting The Journalist: A Wrongful Discharge Action For Editorial Employees At Newspapers, Randy Baker

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Newspaper owners presently have both the ability and the inclination to limit the flow of information to the public. One device they use to suppress the flow of information is the threat of discharging recalcitrant employees. The author explains the "checking" function of the press on the government and how that function is impaired by newspaper owners' tendencies to limit or suppress the publication of certain information. The author also discusses the dilemma faced by editors in adhering to their journalistic standards while still enforcing the newspaper owner's policies. The author proposes that California's bar against discharges motivated by purposes …

Cable's Non-Cable Communications Services: Cable Television As As Common Carrier, David Kupetz

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Cable television companies can now provide two-way communications services allowing users to both receive and send messages. If unregulated, cable companies may gain an unfair advantage over the heavily regulated local telephone companies which formerly were the sole providers of two-way services. The author examines developments transforming the telecommunications industry and the classification of cable's two-way services as "non-cable services." The author recommends that cable companies be allowed to enter the telecommunications market and that their "non-cable services" be regulated under the same guidelines applicable to telephone companies providing similar services.

Descendible Publicity Rights: California's Grateful Dead, Peter H. Karlen

UC Law SF Communications and Entertainment Journal

Publicity rights, the rights to control the use of the name, likeness and photograph of a person, are now descendible by statute. The author examines recent legislation on publicity rights, specifically focusing on how it affects the descendibility of such rights. The author criticizes the legislation and proposes an alternative to what the Legislature has bequeathed to celebrities, their heirs, and the public.

New Video Technologies In The United States: Regulatory And Intellectual Property Considerations, Michael Botein

Articles & Chapters

No abstract provided.

Information Law Overview, 18 J. Marshall L. Rev. 815 (1985), George B. Trubow

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.