LAW-2083 First Amendment: Government Accountability
This course will examine the role of the First Amendment in analyzing the federal Freedom of Information Act, relevant sections of state constitutions, and public records laws. The rights to free speech and free press are eviscerated absent a corresponding peoples’ right to know what the government is up to, and ability to ensure government accountability and transparency. A major focus will be the responses of federal and state government to public records requests on issues of law enforcement and governmental spending of taxpayer dollars. Students will explore constitutional and statutory mandates, as well as the role of courts in balancing the need for secrecy and privacy on the one hand, and the right of the citizenry to be informed on the other hand.
Offered
Spring