Do courts adequately balance the rights of a free press? Under what conditions may the government refuse to release information to the news media? How can society protect itself from deceptive advertising? First Amendment questions like these are the focus of Communication Law. This introductory textbook addresses First Amendment issues that affect the general public, academics, business people, journalists, government officials, and broadcasters. This newly revised edition contains descriptions and analyses of recent and precedent-setting judicial decisions and is a valuable text for communication law courses in journalism, communication, and political science departments.

Philosophers, academics and judges have offered opinions regarding the nature, scope, purpose and function of the ""First Amendment"". In this volume, Hemmer provides a cursory biography of the authors of 34 major theories concerning the ""First Amendment"", a brief excerpt from the author's writing, and, in some instances, a description of the impact or effect of the theory on legal doctrine or societal concerns. A thorough bibliography allows a detailed examination of the primary as well as the secondary sources.

Philosophers, academics and judges have offered opinions regarding the nature, scope, purpose and function of the ""First Amendment"". In this volume, Hemmer provides a cursory biography of the authors of 34 major theories concerning the ""First Amendment"", a brief excerpt from the author's writing, and, in some instances, a description of the impact or effect of the theory on legal doctrine or societal concerns. A thorough bibliography allows a detailed examination of the primary as well as the secondary sources.