Media Law and Government Transparency Practicum (433-0-20)

Instructors

Doreen Weisenhaus
Office Hours: After class and by appointment

Meeting Info

Meets in Non-General PurposeRm: Fri 1:30PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

A Chicago police officer fatally shoots a teenager, but police refuse to release dash-cam video until a journalist invokes the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. A lawsuit accusing the Chicago City Council of violating open meeting laws is filed after reporters learn of private discussions on the city's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Journalists covering protests outside an ICE immigration facility file a federal lawsuit accusing police of violating their First Amendment rights for violently interfering with their news gathering, including spraying them with tear gas. As these and other cases demonstrate, journalists in these contentious times need to turn to the law to confront increasing challenges to newsgathering and investigative reporting. This unique joint Practicum with Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law - comprised of externships and weekly seminars - aims to advance the public's access to information, to hold institutions accountable, and to defend free speech and press freedom. Through externships of 10-12 hours a week at media organizations, non-profits, and press-advocacy groups (provided and matched by faculty), Medill students will learn how to research and prepare access requests and how to research legal or policy matters related to investigative and accountability issues. Through lectures and guest speakers, students will be introduced to the major transparency laws and other topics inherent in the relevant casework. Working collaboratively with law students, Medill students will deepen their understanding of the subject matters, share their experiences on outside projects, and discuss the legal and ethical issues that arise. Students will be matched with existing externships.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: JOUR 401-0 (Ethics and Law of Journalism)

Acceptance in course by application only by sending CV, writing sample and statement of interest to doreen.weisenhaus@northwestern.edu

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Registration is By Application Only