Study

What laws apply to politicians when they communicate with the public on Truth Social, X or Facebook? Are they the same laws that govern traditional media, such as newspapers and news broadcasts? What about influencers who post reviews on Insta? Thanks to the internet, everyone is a publisher, and every client needs to understand what’s at stake. This class will examine the regulation of media—traditional and social—and will survey the First Amendment principles underpinning speech protections. We will discuss current events and ongoing debates about the media, including “fake news,” blockbuster defamation cases, and social media content moderation. This class will also cover topics specific to the practice of media lawyers, such as pre-publication review, prior restraints on speech, defending subpoenas, reporters’ privilege, and access to information. Students will be assessed primarily on three individual written projects.

Enrollment Pre-/Co- Requisite Information

This class can serve as a pre- or co-requisite for enrollment in the First Amendment Clinic.

Spring 2026

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
786.01	2	Simulated Writing, Litigation Class participation	Amanda Martin
Canvas site: https://canvas.duke.edu/courses/75070