The MFJS Reporter — Winter 2020 M-W

Students showed their interest in the combination of the media and politics. Asking questions like how President Trump utilizes social media and if there are any repercussions for his media usage. 

One current law student asked, “So how does Trump get away with tweeting out false information all the time?” which evoked laughter from the audience and panelists. 

The audience consisted of current DU law school students and undergraduate students who have an interest in law. Members of the audience were engaged and asked thought provoking questions. 

One case that evoked a strong audience interest was Allen v. Cooper. This case pertains to a copyright violation. Students asked several questions about the arguments lawyers made during the trial and also gave their personal insight based off of facts they have learned in their law classes. 

DU junior Ben Matejka asked Dr. Silver, “How do you address a case like this in your Media Law class?” 

Silver responded by explaining how big of a topic copyright is to grasp but he often addresses copyright violation cases as ‘a step by step process to break it down for students.’ 

The panel was informative and educational. Students were able to gain a deeper understanding of the cases and apply the arguments to concepts they study in class. Current law students were interested in seeking the opinions of the panelists, asking how they personally would argue the different cases. 

The cases discussed were focused on matters of media and the First Amendment. These specific professors have a focus and expertise in these areas of law.

“My expertise is centered around constitutional and First Amendment law. Prior to becoming a professor, I served as a staff attorney, with a focus on cases that involved the public and their rights” said Chen.   

The focus on the media was of interest to the audience because it is a segment of the law that is constantly evolving and these cases are establishing key precedents for the future. 

Clay Calvert is a Brechner Eminent Scholar of Mass Communication and Director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida, specializing in First Amendment Law. 

Derigan Silver is a professor at the University of Denver, “In the Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies, an adjunct faculty member in the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver, and the Faculty Director of the Center for Innovation in the Liberal and Creative Arts.” 

Both Silver and Calvert co-wrote the Mass Media Law 21e textbook. Alan Chen has also authored two law books and is a professor in the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He is a leading national expert in free speech doctrine and theory, the law of federal courts, and public interest law.  

The two hour long panel was an opportunity for students to hear from experts, learn about various current and past cases, and engage with the material by asking questions and participate in discussion about the law.