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80 Media law Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInIn the ever-evolving landscape of modern media, the intersection of law and communication has become a dynamic field ripe for exploration and scholarship. For undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students alike, embarking on a research journey into media law topics offers an exciting opportunity to delve deep into the intricacies of this multifaceted discipline. As you […]

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern media, the intersection of law and communication has become a dynamic field ripe for exploration and scholarship. For undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students alike, embarking on a research journey into media law topics offers an exciting opportunity to delve deep into the intricacies of this multifaceted discipline. As you embark on your quest for the perfect research topics, let’s navigate the vast sea of possibilities that media law presents, catering to the unique requirements of each academic level. Whether you’re aiming to embark on your undergraduate thesis, master’s dissertation, or doctoral research, we’ve got you covered with a diverse range of captivating research topics that will captivate your intellectual curiosity and leave a lasting impact on this ever-evolving field.

Media Law, also known as “communication law,” “entertainment law,” and “mass media regulations.”, refers to the body of legal principles and regulations governing various aspects of mass media, including print, broadcast, digital, and entertainment industries.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Media Law:

Assessing the effectiveness of media law in protecting the intellectual property of creators.
Investigating the impact of media law on the protection of cultural heritage in digital media.
Examining the implications of COVID-19 on the legal protection of journalists and media workers.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of media law in protecting journalistic sources.
Examining the legal framework for regulating deepfakes in political campaigns.
Examining the impact of the pandemic on media ownership and consolidation.
An examination of the evolving role of media law in the protection of data privacy.
Analyzing the legal responsibilities of UK-based social media platforms in content moderation.
Analyzing the role of media law in addressing content removal and algorithmic bias.
Investigating the impact of media law on access to information during public health crises.
Assessing the impact of media law on the protection of whistleblowers in corporate settings.
Analyzing the role of media law in addressing online harassment of marginalized communities.
Analyzing the impact of fake news on media credibility and legal responses.
Assessing the effectiveness of media law in addressing deep-seated systemic biases in journalism.
Assessing the legal challenges of remote journalism and virtual reporting during lockdowns.
A comprehensive review of media ownership concentration and its implications for democracy.
Examining the implications of media law on the protection of indigenous knowledge.
The intersection of media law and sustainable finance : navigating ethical advertising and ESG reporting in the media industry.
Examining the legal implications of deep-linking and framing in online media.
An analysis of media law’s role in protecting the intellectual property of content creators.
Investigating the role of media law in addressing issues of media bias.
Evaluating the effectiveness of right-to-be-forgotten laws in media contexts.
Analyzing the legal challenges of media convergence and cross-ownership.
Assessing the legal framework for regulating political advertising in the UK post-Brexit.
Investigating the role of media law in regulating virtual influencers and AI personalities.
Examining the implications of media law on access to government information.
Investigating the role of media law in addressing hate speech against religious groups.
A comprehensive review of the legal challenges of copyright infringement in online media.
Assessing the effectiveness of media law in safeguarding data privacy in contact tracing efforts.
Assessing the legal framework for protecting journalists in conflict zones.
A review of the legal implications of social media platform algorithms on content distribution.
Analyzing the role of media law in addressing the surge of online hate speech during the pandemic.
Analyzing the role of media law in addressing misinformation and public health communication.
Examining the legal framework for regulating podcasting and audio streaming.
A comprehensive review of media law’s role in preserving press freedom in authoritarian regimes.
A comprehensive review of the role of media law in addressing hate speech and extremism.
A critical review of the legal challenges of content moderation on online platforms.
A critical review of the effectiveness of right-to-be-forgotten laws in media contexts.
Investigating the role of media law in addressing privacy concerns in British tabloid journalism.
Media law and immigration: balancing freedom of speech and protecting immigrant rights in the digital age.
Assessing the impact of the UK’s Online Safety Bill on media freedom and expression.
Examining the legal challenges of AI-generated music and art in media.
Examining the implications of media law on the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
Assessing the impact of media law on protecting historical archives and records.
Investigating the legal challenges of copyright infringement in online media.
Assessing the role of media regulation in preserving journalistic integrity.
Analyzing the legal responsibilities of social media influencers in promoting products.
A comparative review of media regulation frameworks in different countries.
Exploring the legal implications of AI-generated news articles.
An in-depth review of the legal responsibilities of influencers in sponsored content.
Investigating the legal responsibilities of social media platforms in content removal.
Assessing the effectiveness of media law in combatting disinformation campaigns.
Examining the legal challenges of defamation cases involving British celebrities.
Examining the legal responsibilities of influencers in sponsored content.
Analyzing the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on media freedom and access to information.
A systematic review of the impact of media law on cultural diversity and representation in media.
A critical review of the legal responses to online harassment and cyberbullying.
Assessing the impact of media law on the protection of journalistic sources.
Investigating the legal challenges of content moderation on online platforms.
An examination of media law responses to the spread of disinformation campaigns.
A review of media law responses to emerging technologies like virtual reality and AI-generated content.
Analyzing the legal challenges of the UK’s implementation of the EU Copyright Directive.
Analyzing the legal challenges of deepfake technology in media content.
Assessing the effectiveness of the UK’s data protection laws in the context of media companies.
Examining the intersection of media law and data privacy in the era of big data.
Investigating the impact of social media on defamation laws in the digital age.
Analyzing the legal implications of targeted advertising and data profiling in media.
Investigating the legal responsibilities of media platforms in preserving evidence of crimes.
Assessing the impact of media law on press freedom in authoritarian regimes.
Assessing the legal framework for regulating live streaming and user-generated content.
Assessing the role of media law in shaping public perception of government responses to COVID-19.
Assessing the legal framework for regulating political advertising in digital media.
A critical review of the legal framework for regulating political advertising in digital media.
Investigating the role of media law in addressing hate speech and extremism in the UK.
Analyzing the legal implications of media coverage of high-profile trials.
Investigating the role of media law in regulating virtual reality and augmented reality content.
Investigating the legal framework for regulating pandemic-related infodemics in the media.
Analyzing the impact of media ownership concentration on freedom of the press.
An in-depth review of the legal challenges deepfake technology poses in media content.
Examining the legal challenges of copyright infringement in the gaming industry.

In media law, the possibilities for research are as boundless as the digital frontier itself. Whether you’re exploring issues related to freedom of speech, privacy, intellectual property, or the ever-expanding realm of digital media, there’s a research topic waiting for you at every degree level. So, as you embark on your academic journey, remember that media law research topics are not just subjects of study; they are gateways to understanding the complex interplay between media and the law, shaping the essence of our information society. Dive in, explore, and discover the fascinating world of media law research topics that await your scholarly pursuit.

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Digital Media Law Project

Founded in 2007 as the "Citizen Media Law Project," the Digital Media Law Project (DMLP) works to ensure that individuals and organizations involved in online journalism and digital media have access to the legal resources, education, tools, and representation that they need to thrive. The DMLP carries out its mission through five core initiatives: (1) its detailed Legal Guide on media and business law topics for non-lawyers; (2) its searchable Database of Legal Threats directed at online publishers; (3) its nationwide attorney referral service, the Online Media Legal Network; (4) its Research & Response initiative to address breaking issues and trends in digital media law; and (5) its regularly-updated Blog and Newsletter on current issues in media law, technology law and journalism Legal Guide : The DMLP publishes a comprehensive legal guide for individuals and organizations involved in independent online publishing and journalism. The guide covers topics ranging from how to form a business to how to use freedom of information and open meetings laws to get access to information, meetings, and governmental records, as well as other legal subjects such as risks associated with online publication, including discussion of defamation and privacy torts; legal issues related to newsgathering; use of copyrighted and trademarked materials; and special risks associated with covering elections. The Legal Guide now runs to more than 600 pages and covers the fifteen most populous U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Users of the guide can search by keyword , browse by state , or simply browse by section . The guide is broken into six major sections: Forming a Business and Getting Online ; Dealing with Online Legal Risks ; Newsgathering and Privacy ; Access to Government Information ; Intellectual Property ; and Risks Associated with Publication . The DMLP selects the topics covered by the Legal Guide to address the issues that content creators and publishers routinely encounter in the course of forming and running their ventures. In addition to serving as a reference for individuals seeking help, the Legal Guide is often used by university journalism programs and other publishing organizations as a key resource. Database of Legal Threats : The DMLP publishes a database of more than 900 entries covering lawsuits, subpoenas, and other legal actions involving digital media and online speech. Each entry consists of a plain-language description of the case or threat and links to blog or press coverage. Most entries also contain the underlying documents, including copies of cease-and-desist letters, lawsuit complaints, legal briefs, and court orders. The database is publicly searchable by keyword and by more than 25 distinct data fields, including by state, legal claim, type of publisher, subject area, and date of filing. Users of the database can also do full-text searching of the pleadings and motions associated with each database entry. If you've been threatened with legal action or know of someone who has, please let us know by using our contact form or by entering the information directly into the database through our easy to use threat entry form . Legal Assistance : The DMLP operates the Online Media Legal Network (OMLN), which is a network of more than 250 law firms, law school clinics, in-house counsel, and individual lawyers throughout the United States willing to provide free and reduced-fee legal assistance to qualifying online journalism ventures and other digital media creators. Since its inception, the DMLP has assisted clients with hundreds of separate matters. Lawyers and clinical law students at Harvard Law School's Cyberlaw Clinic also provide legal advice to individuals and organizations that operate independent media sites. Research and Response : Our central vantage point on issues affecting the journalism industry enables us to detect urgent issues affecting digital journalism as they arise. Our attorney and client networks, together with our tracking of legal threats, serve as an "early warning system" for urgent legal needs affecting the digital journalism community. This permits us to respond with relevant information and legal resources in an informed and timely manner, collaborating with our wide array of partner organizations where appropriate. The Research and Response initiative reflects the flexibility of the DMLP to address these important issues. Rather than responding in a uniform fashion to issues as they arise, we recognize that responses to breaking issues must be tailored to the particular issue at hand. To that end we have created a range of white papers and issue guides, participated in litigation as an amicus curiae, appeared at conferences and speaking events, acted in an advisory capacity to various groups, and addressed the media on issues of current interest. DMLP Publishing : The DMLP blog includes content from DMLP staff as well as a diverse group of lawyers, law professors, law students, and others with an interest in new media. Blog posts provide commentary and insight on current events in media law and digital publishing, promote resources and events of interest to digital publishers, and announce new initiatives by the DMLP and its partner organizations. The DMLP blog is a popular destination for site visitors, with individual posts routinely obtaining hundreds or thousands of reads. The Digital Media Law Brief , our monthly newsletter, keeps our followers up to date with our recent activities, our upcoming events, and news items of interest in the fields of media law, journalism, and technology. If you want to find out what the DMLP is doing and what it is going to do next, the newsletter is the best place to go. The DMLP also maintains an active social media presence, with accounts on Twitter at @DMLPBerkman and @omln , and a page on Facebook .

This project is supported in part by the Open Society Institute, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Philip L. Graham Fund.

Our Work 70

New report from the dmlp: who gets a press pass media credentialing practices in the united states.

The Digital Media Law Project at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society and the Journalist’s Resource project at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media,…

Who Gets a Press Pass?

Media Credentialing Practices in the United States

This study, the first of its kind to perform a quantitative examination of media credentialing in the United States, surveys the experience of journalists throughout the country…

Service and Research at the Frontier of Media Law

New Report from the Digital Media Law Project

Earlier today the Digital Media Law Project released a new report, The Legal Needs of Emerging Online Media: The Online Media Legal Network after 500 Referrals. This report…

Digital Media Law Project Announces a New Survey of Media Credentialing Practices

The Digital Media Law Project at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society, together with the Investigative News Network, the National Press Photographers…

DMLP files brief seeking First Amendment scrutiny in United States v. Auernheimer

Yesterday the Digital Media Law Project, with help from the Cyberlaw Clinic, filed an amicus brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in United States v…

Filling the News Gap in Cambridge and Beyond: Citizen Journalism and Grassroots Media

The event will explore the quickly expanding world of citizen journalism: how technology is fueling its growth; how that growth is changing the way we see our world, enact change,…

The DMLP Asks the Sixth Circuit to Safeguard Crowdsourced Research and Data-based Journalism

The Digital Media Law Project (formerly the Citizen Media Law Project), assisted by Harvard Law School’s Cyberlaw Clinic, has asked the Sixth Circuit to make clear that website…

The Citizen Media Law Project is now the Digital Media Law Project

We are pleased to announce that the Citizen Media Law Project has now transitioned to its new name, the Digital Media Law Project.

Announcing a Guide to Reporting at the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions

This guide is intended to be a resource for journalists that will be covering the events surrounding the Republican and Democratic National Conventions (“RNC” and “DNC”)…

DMLP Guide to the IRS Decision-Making Process under Section 501(c)(3) for Journalism and Publishing Non-Profit Organizations

The Digital Media Law Project (DMLP), hosted at Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society, is pleased to announce the publication of its Guide to the Internal…

Guide to the IRS Decision-Making Process under Section 501(c)(3) for Journalism and Publishing Non-Profit Organizations

Until and unless there is action in Congress to facilitate tax exemptions for journalism non-profits, news organizations seeking 501(c)(3) status must learn how to structure their…

DMLP Advocates Protection for Uses of Trademarks in Critical Speech Online Before Massachusetts Appeals Court

The Digital Media Law Project (DMLP), assisted by Harvard Law School’s Cyberlaw Clinic, last week asked the Massachusetts Appeals Court to reject a claim of trademark infringement…

Media Law in the Digital Age: The Rules Have Changed -- Again

Co-produced by the Citizen Media Law Project at Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society and Kennesaw State's Center for Sustainable Journalism, Media Law in the Digital…

Law School for Digital Journalists

A Pre-Conference of the Online News Association's 2011 Conference

The Online News Association, Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society, and the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy present Law School for Digital Journalists, part of the…

Berkman Buzz: July 1, 2011

Measuring the impact of journalism, reviewing Google+, who to trust online, and more...in this week's Buzz.

CMLP Urges First Circuit to Safeguard First Amendment Rights in Case Involving Cellphone Camera Recording of Police Officers

The Citizen Media Law Project submitted an amicus curiae brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in a case involving a lawyer who was arrested for using…

Berkman Center’s Online Media Legal Network Partners with Investigative News Network

The Online Media Legal Network announced that it is collaborating with the Investigative News Network to help INN member organizations find pro bono and low-cost legal help.

Media Law in the Digital Age: The Rules Have Changed, Have You?

We're pleased to announce that the Citizen Media Law Project at Harvard's Berkman Center and the Center for Sustainable Journalism at Kennesaw State University are co-hosting a…

Citizen Media Law Project & Center for Sustainable Journalism Conference on Media Law in the Digital Age

We're pleased to announce that the Citizen Media Law Project and the Center for Sustainable Journalism at Kennesaw State University are co‐hosting a conference on September 25,…

The Rise of the News Aggregator: Legal Implications and Best Practices

This white paper attempts to answer the question of whether news aggregators violate current law by examining the hot news misappropriation and copyright infringement claims that…

Getting empirical with Section 230 case law

Tired of discussing intermediary liability? Neither are we. Fellow David Ardia's study of all CDA section 230 cases to date is now available in the Loyola of Los Angeles Law…

Berkman Center’s Citizen Media Law Project and Cyberlaw Clinic Advocate First Amendment Scrutiny in Hot News Cases

The Citizen Media Law Project, with the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Public Citizen, submitted an amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit,…

New Hampshire Supreme Court Upholds Free Speech Rights for Online News Sites

Ruling Mirrors Arguments Made in Brief by the Citizen Media Law Project, Harvard Cyberlaw Clinic, and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

The NH Supreme Court today issued an important decision upholding the First Amendment rights of online publishers...the Court concluded that a lower court’s injunction preventing…

Symposium: Journalism's Digital Transition: Unique Legal Challenges and Opportunities

The Berkman Center's Citizen Media Law Project and Cyberlaw Clinic are pleased to announce a one-day symposium and CLE program to celebrate the launch of the Online Media Legal…

CMLP and Cyberlaw Clinic Call On Illinois Supreme Court to Preserve Broad Purpose of Citizen Participation Act

The Citizen Media Law Project, joined by the Public Participation Project, the Online News Association, and the Chicago Current, submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Illinois…

OMLN Partners with National Freedom of Information Coalition to Assist with Freedom of Information Lawsuits

The Berkman Center’s Online Media Legal Network (OMLN) announced today that it is partnering with the National Freedom of Information Coalition to assist with freedom of…

OMLN Partners with Online News Association To Provide Legal Assistance to Independent Journalists

The Online Media Legal Network announced that it is partnering with the Online News Association, the premier association for professional digital journalists. The partnership will…

Citizen Media Law Project Publishes New Guide to FTC Disclosure Requirements for Product Endorsements

As part of their legal guide series on Risks Associated with Publication, today CMLP published a guide to Publishing Product or Service Endorsements.

Citizen Media Law Project Launches Legal Assistance Network for Online Journalists

The Berkman Center’s Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) announced today the public launch of its Online Media Legal Network (OMLN), a new pro bono initiative that connects lawyers…

It's Election Time Again: CMLP Announces Updated Guide to Newsgathering at the Polls

From the Citizen Media Law Project blog: Voters head to the polls again on November 3 to cast their ballots in mayoral, city council, and even a handful of gubernatorial elections…

CMLP and Cyberlaw Clinic Endorse Anti-SLAPP Protection for Staff of Media and Advocacy Organizations

On Thursday, the Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) joined the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law of the Boston…

Radio Berkman 130: Adventures in Anonymity, Part One

This week on Radio Berkman: Dan Jones discusses the ins and outs of a growing number of legal cases involving anonymous online speech with Sam Bayard, assistant director of the…

Citizen Media Law Project: more on newsgathering and privacy

The Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) has released a new video about newsgathering and privacy issues that citizen reporters might face as they gather documents, take photographs…

CMLP and Cyberlaw Clinic Amicus Brief in the News

In an editorial published earlier this week, the Nashua Telegraph highlighted an amicus brief filed last month by Berkman’s Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) with the assistance…

Citizen Media Law Project partners with YouTube to help launch Reporters' Center

From the CMLP blog: "As part of today's launch of YouTube's Reporters' Center, which features how-to videos on news reporting, the Citizen Media Law Project created a short video…

Citizen Media Law Project and Cyberlaw Clinic Urge NH Supreme Court to Defend First Amendment Rights of Mortgage Site

The Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP), assisted by Harvard Law School’s Cyberlaw Clinic, urged the New Hampshire Supreme Court to defend the First Amendment rights of a website…

CMLP: Craigslist Dropping 'Erotic Services' Section

David Ardia, director of the Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP), unpacks the issues around Craigslist's decision to replace its "Erotic Services" category...

Radio Berkman: Journalism Is Dead. Long Live Journalism!

This week on Radio Berkman: Dan Gillmor offers his vision for a participatory media, with five principles for 21st century journalism...

Citizen Media Law Project and Cyberlaw Clinic Lead Amicus Effort Promoting Rights of Anonymous Online Speakers in IL

In a case involving important First Amendment rights, the Citizen Media Law Project joined a number of media and advocacy organizations in asking an Illinois appellate court to…

Debating CDA 230

An exchange between John Palfrey and Adam Thierer concerning tweaking Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act was published today in Ars Technica...

New positions with the CMLP

The Citizen Media Law Project is looking for law student interns for the spring and summer and for a new staff attorney.

CMLP: "Virginia Blogger Targeted With Outrageous Subpoena"

Last week CMLP reported on an overreaching subpoena served against Charlottesville, Virgina blogger Waldo Jaquith...

CMLP: Documenting the 2009 Presidential Inauguration

The Citizen Media Law Project has released a must-read for anyone planning a trip to DC on January 20 to witness and record history...

US presidential campaign & election '08

We've assembled a sampling of recent Internet and politics-related activities and writings from the Berkman community...

Video your vote

November 4 at ground level

YouTube and PBS have teamed up to ask US voters to document their voting experiences. You're invited to upload your election day video to the Video Your Vote channel. The Citizen…

The CMLP on choosing an ISP

From the Citizen Media Law Project blog... There are a lot of things to consider when making the decision to launch a blog or website...one area most people tend to overlook is…

Defending the Rights of Artists

Citizen Media Law Project joins The Right to Write Fund in protecting creative artists from legal threats

In the wake of the Harry Potter Lexicon trial, the Berkman Center's Citizen Media Law Project has announced a new partnership with the Right to Write Fund, which helped defend…

Judge Rejects Fair Use Defense in Harry Potter Lexicon Case

The Citizen Media Law Project begins unpacking the 68-page decision in Rowling v. RDR Books, in which Judge Robert Patterson held that RDR "had failed to establish an affirmative…

Cape Cod blogger sued for libel

The Citizen Media Law Project provides detailed analysis of the case of Peter Robbins, of the Robbins Report blog, which raises "a host of interesting questions" concerning…

California Court Warns Copyright Bullies Not to Ignore Fair Use

From the Citizen Media Law Project blog... A federal district court in California held on Wednesday that copyright owners must consider fair use before sending DMCA takedown…

The Citizen Media Law Project on Understanding Your Legal Risks When You Blog or Publish Online

From the Citizen Media Law Project blog...Over the next few weeks I'll be posting about various topics we cover in the CMLP's Citizen Media Legal Guide...Today, I'll start with…

Citizen Media Law Project Legal Guide: final sections now live

From the Citizen Media Law Project blog... Today, we are launching the final sections of the Citizen Media Law Project's online guide to media law covering the risks associated…

Citizen Media Law Project Completes Launch of Online Guide to Media Law

The Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) announced today that it has completed the launch of its Citizen Media Legal Guide. The free guide, which is intended for use by bloggers,…

Using audio clip for criticism is fair use

District Court spanks Michael Savage suit

From the Citizen Media Law Project blog... In a huge victory for freedom of speech, on Friday a federal district court in California dismissed conservative talk show host Michael…

Iranian parliament moving toward death penalty for blogging on certain topics

From the Citizen Media Law Project... Online free speech has never been well received by the Iranian government, but now Tehran is just one step away from making blogging on…

Judge Sanctions Lawyer for Issuing Subpoena to Blogger Kathleen Seidel

David Ardia of the Citizen Media Law Project updates us on the Sykes v. Seidel case.

AP's Fair Use Challenge

David Ardia of the Citizen Media Law Project hits all the points in his blogpost, "Associated Press Sends DMCA Takedown to Drudge Retort, Backpedals, and Now Seeks to Define Fair…

Prince, Bootlegging, and Copyright Protection for Live Performances

Citizen Media Law Project assistant director Sam Bayard follows up on the "Prince/Radiohead/YouTube flap," raising some additional questions and asking, "Copyright geeks and fair…

Citizen Media Law Project @ 1

David Ardia, Sam Bayard, Tuna Chatterjee

David Ardia, Sam Bayard, and Tuna Chatterjee of CMLP discussed trends in online publishing and previewed the CMLP database of subpeonas, cease-and-desist letters, and other…

CMLP Launches New Legal Guide Section: Intellectual Property

The first cut of the Citizen Media Law Project's in-depth Legal Guide is nearly complete! Last Friday's release of the section on "intellectual property" fills in an essential…

English Libel Law's Pernicious Impact on First Amendment Speech

Citizen Media Law Project director David Ardia walks us through Floyd Abrams' op-ed in today's Wall Street Journal...

How Trademark Law Casts A Dark Cloud Over Free Speech

The Citizen Media Law Project is preparing the intellectual property sections of its legal guide. An article by Professor Bill McGeveran provides some grist for the mill, raising…

The Citizen Media Law Project follows the Quash of the Seidel Subpoena

From the CMLP blog...A federal magistrate judge in New Hampshire has quashed the subpoena issued to Kathleen Seidel. Seidel publishes the blog Neurodiversity, where she writes…

Citizen Media Law Project following new Wikileaks case

From the CMLP blog... Wikileaks, which purports to provide an "uncensorable Wikipedia for untraceable mass document leaking and analysis," is back in the news as it faces a new…

CMLP Launches New Legal Guide Section: Access to Government Information

The Citizen Media Law Project's in-depth Legal Guide continues to grow! Yesterday's release of the section on "access to government information" significantly expands this already…

iBrattleboro Victorious!

The Citizen Media Law Project and Media Re:public hail community news and information site iBrattleboro.com's "significant victory," "a wonderful outcome," in a libel lawsuit…

It's Sunshine Week!

From the Citizen Media Law Project... It’s March and it’s Sunshine Week. This year, from March 16 - 22, the

Berkman Center’s Citizen Media Law Project and Cyberlaw Clinic Challenge Injunctions Against Wikileaks and Dynadot

CAMBRIDGE, MA. – The Berkman Center for Internet & Society’s Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) and Cyberlaw Clinic have joined a coalition of media and public interest…

Making Sense of the Wikileaks Fiasco: Prior Restraints in the Internet Age

Citizen Media Law Project Director David Ardia is quoted in today's New York Times, saying that a judge's order to shutdown the WikiLeaks website by removing its DNS record, “is…

Citizen Media Law Project Launches Online Legal Guide

The Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) launched the first sections of its Citizen Media Legal Guide (http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide) last week. The guide, intended for use…

Phil Malone

David Ardia

Dan Gillmor

Wendy Seltzer

Jeffrey hermes.

Andy Sellars

MLRC is a non-profit membership association for members of the media and their defense lawyers. We provide a wide range of resources on media law and policy issues.

Tuesday, May 14
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Legal Frontiers in Digital Media 2024

The Media Law Resource Center and the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology are proud to present the next in this series of conferences that explore emerging legal issues surrounding digital content in today’s multi-platform world.

New York Times v. Sullivan: The Case for Preserving an Essential Precedent

A comprehensive White Paper heralding Justice Brennan’s opinion, countering the arguments made by its chief critics, and analyzing the role of actual malice in contemporary litigation.

Fair Report 50-State Survey

The Fair Report Survey 50-State is a state-by-state guide to the idiosyncrasies of the fair report privilege.

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We provide you with essential tools to advance First Amendment and media rights, and a supportive community in which to discuss emerging legal issues and the future of communication.

MediaLawLetter April 2024

DC Court Holds Journalist in Contempt for Refusing to Disclose Confidential Sources; Court Quashes Prosecution Subpoena to New Yorker Journalist; The Supreme Court Rules on Social Media Blocking; Entertainment Conference Recap; Ten Questions for Aussie Lawyer Michael Cameron and more.

MediaLawLetter March 2024

Jury Awards $25M in Damages for The Oklahoman’s Misattribution of Racial Slur; Broadcaster Wins Summary Judgment and Fees Under New York’s Expanded Anti-SLAPP; The Supreme Court Hears the NetChoice Cases; Anti-SLAPP Developments in the UK and Europe and What It’s Like Being Slapped in Greece; MLRC’s first conference in Australia and more.

MediaLawLetter January 2024

New York Times Awarded Nearly $400,000 in Trump Suit; Fifth Circuit Affirms That Texas Book Rating System Is Unconstitutional; Fifth Circuit Affirms Preliminary Injunction Against Texas Prosecution of Netflix; The Year in Prior Restraints; and more.

Articles on Media law

Displaying 1 - 20 of 53 articles.

A judgment in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation trial against Network 10 has been delayed. What’s going on?

Rick Sarre , University of South Australia

‘Fake news’ legislation risks doing more harm than good amid a record number of elections in 2024

Samuel Jens , Stony Brook University (The State University of New York)

Australia’s media classification system is no help to parents and carers. It needs a grounding in evidence

Elizabeth Handsley , Western Sydney University and Fae Heaselgrave , University of South Australia

Russell Brand investigation: what good journalists should have to go through to report sexual assault allegations

Polly Rippon , University of Sheffield

Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith: Supreme Court rules for income streams over artistic freedom

Hannibal Travis , Florida International University

Why was Bruce Lehrmann given the all-clear to sue media for defamation? A media law expert explains

David Rolph , University of Sydney

Defamation was at the heart of the lawsuit settled by Fox News with Dominion – proving libel in a court would have been no small feat

Nicole Kraft , The Ohio State University

The merger of TVNZ and RNZ needs to build trust in public media – 3 things the law change must get right

Alexander Gillespie , University of Waikato and Claire Breen , University of Waikato

Why was the Brittany Higgins trial delayed, and what is ‘contempt of court’? A legal expert’s view on the Lisa Wilkinson saga

Ending online anonymity won’t make social media less toxic

Shireen Morris , Macquarie University

Nevermind at 30: why the Nirvana baby lawsuit is a warning for parents

Alexandros Antoniou , University of Essex

Why Matt Hancock’s private life is very much in the public interest

How a silent movie informs the current debate over the right to be forgotten

Bill Kovarik , Radford University

Albania’s plan against disinformation lets Facebook and powerful politicians off the hook

Elidor Mehilli , Hunter College

Media Files: Media companies are mad as hell at tech giants and don’t want to take it anymore. But what choice do they have?

Matthew Ricketson , Deakin University and Andrew Dodd , The University of Melbourne

Ghana’s constitution is meant to protect the media: but does it?

Jacob Nyarko , University of Cape Coast

Friday essay: diversity in the media is vital - but Australia has a long way to go

Helen Vatsikopoulos , University of Technology Sydney

Investigating the investigative reporters: Bad news from Down Under

Michael J. Socolow , University of Maine

PODCAST: Pell trial reporters, a judge and a media lawyer on why the suppression order debate is far from over

Andrew Dodd , The University of Melbourne

ACCC wants to curb digital platform power – but enforcement is tricky

Katharine Kemp , UNSW Sydney

Top contributors

Professor of Law, University of Sydney

Professor of Journalism and Social Media, Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Griffith University

Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

University Teacher in Journalism, University of Sheffield

Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

Director of Undergraduate Studies, School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University

Co-Director, Centre for Media Transition, University of Technology Sydney

Professor in Media and Communication, Goldsmiths, University of London

Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of Western Australia

Honorary Professor of Media Law, Queen Mary University of London

Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

Emeritus Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia

Associate Professor, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University

Lecturer, Media Law, University of Technology Sydney

Senior Lecturer in the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific., Australian National University

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The SAGE Guide to Key Issues in Mass Media Ethics and Law

William A. Babcock - Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA
William H. Freivogel - Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA
Description

The SAGE Guide to Key Issues in Mass Media Ethics and Law is an authoritative and rigorous two-volume, issues-based reference set that surveys varied views on many of the most contentious issues involving mass media ethics and the law. Divided into six thematic sections covering information from contrasting ethical responsibly and legal rights for both speech and press, newsgathering and access, and privacy to libelous reporting, business considerations, and changing rules with social media and the Internet, the information in this guide is extremely relevant to a variety of audiences. This guide specifically focuses on matters that are likely to be regular front-page headlines concerning topics such as technological threats to privacy, sensationalism in media coverage of high-profile trials, cameras in the courtroom, use of confidential sources, national security concerns and the press, digital duplication and deception, rights of celebrities, plagiarism, and more. Collectively, this guide assesses key contentious issues and legal precedents, noting current ethical and legal trends and likely future directions. Features:

Six thematic sections consist of approximately a dozen chapters each written by eminent scholars and practitioners active in the field.
Sections open with a general Introduction by the volume editors and conclude with a wrap-up “Outlook” section to highlight likely future trends.
Chapters follow a common organizational outline of a brief overview of the issue at hand, historical background and precedent, and presentation of various perspectives (pro, con, mixed) to the issue.
“See also” cross references guide readers to related chapters and references and further readings guide users to more in-depth resources for follow-up.

This reference guide is an excellent source for the general public, students, and researchers who are interested in expanding their knowledge in mass media and the ethics and law surrounding it.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

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School of Law

Journal of Media Law and Ethics

In april 2012, the school of law began publishing the journal of media law & ethics (issn1940-9389), an online, peer-reviewed journal exploring current legal issues facing the media including copyright, defamation and reporters' privilege..

Published quarterly, JMLE seeks theoretical and analytical manuscripts that advance the understanding of media law and ethics in society. Submissions may have a legal, historical, or social science orientation, but must focus on media law or ethics.

In the current issue of the Journal of Media Law & Ethics , British lawyer Zia Akhtar takes a hard look at the use of social media by jurors in criminal trials and the accompanying concern that the rights of a defendant may be prejudiced by the practice. The article advocates a legal code that would prohibit juror access to information about a defendant’s previous record.

Mark Grabowski follows with an examination of so-called “mugshot” websites through the lens of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. The article concludes that, while mugshot sites are not an inherently unethical journalism practice, many news outlets present mugshots utilizing ethically dubious methods that urgently need to be reformed.

The need for clear standards governing the kinds of communication that can be considered unprotected “true threats” is demonstrated by the analysis of Eric Robinson and Morgan Hill in our third article. The authors point out that, when the Supreme Court had the opportunity to clarify the elusive concept, in Elonis v. United States and three subsequent cases, they failed to resolve the ambiguities of the doctrine, notwithstanding the prevalence of abusive language online.

It may surprise many of readers that freedom of information is alive, if not entirely well, in China. Based on a massive quantitative study, Yong Tang suggests that enforcement of freedom of information law in the PRC seems more forceful than many Western observers would expect, although there is scant evidence that the law has led to more accountability and better governance.

Finally, Christopher Terry and associates point out that the national press has been woefully remiss in explaining why the so-called censorship of right-wing and other voices by social media platforms is not an abridgment of First Amendment rights. While all likely readers of this journal understand the concept of “state action” in the First Amendment context, the media has generally left the public clueless.

All theoretical perspectives are welcome. All manuscripts undergo blind peer review. Access to JMLE is available to the public at no charge.

All manuscripts must be original and must not be under consideration at other journals.

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All manuscripts will undergo blind peer review. The normal review period is three months or less.

Submissions:

The ideal length for submitted papers is 20-30 double-spaced pages (6,000 to 8,000 words using 12-point Times Roman or equivalent type), including footnotes, tables, and figures. Longer manuscripts will be considered when space is available.The submission and review process will be electronic; all manuscripts should be prepared using Microsoft Word or converted to that format. Email should be sent to the editor, Eric B. Easton , professor of law.

Manuscript Preparation:

All footnotes should be in Bluebook form. All text must be double-spaced except tables and figures, which must be "camera-ready." Microsoft Word is the required software program for formatting manuscripts. The title page should include the title of the manuscript, names and affiliations of all authors, as well as their addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Five key words for referencing the document in electronic databases are also required. Only the title page should contain identifying information. The second page should include the manuscript title and an abstract of 150 to 250 words. All figures and tables must be formatted to 5.5 inches in width and no more than 7.5 inches in height.

Copyright and Production Notes:

All works submitted must be original and must not have been published elsewhere. Authors of works that are selected for publication shall retain the copyright in their works. However, authors should give the Journal of Media Law & Ethics and the University of Baltimore School of Law a nonexclusive right to publish the work in journals, books, or any other collections that it may publish at the same time or in the future. Authors shall be given credit in such works and will continue to control the copyright in their own works. After a manuscript is accepted for publication, the author or authors are expected to proofread and edit the page proofs when they are provided.

Permissions:

Authors are responsible for obtaining permission from copyright owners to use lengthy quotations (450 words or more) or to reprint or adapt a table or figure that has been published elsewhere. Authors should write to the original copyright holder requesting nonexclusive permission to reproduce the material in this journal and in future publications of the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Email an electronic copy of manuscripts to: Eric Easton, Editor .

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Media Law is a fast developing and increasingly high profile area of law. It is an area that allows scholars to look at advanced issues relating to freedom of expression and the right to communicate, and the way these rights intersect with competing interests. The course covers a number of key themes in Media Law and will begin by looking at the justifications for and meanings of media freedom. This introduction will provide a theoretical background against which the later topics will be evaluated. The topics in the course can be grouped into three broad categories:

(1) Liability for media content – for example, when can the press publish facts about a person’s private life? Do public figures have weaker rights to reputation? Will media coverage prejudice a jury trial?

(2) Legal assistance and control of newsgathering – can the police seize journalists’ notebooks? When do journalists have a right not to disclose the identity of confidential sources?

(3) Media regulation – what system of regulation should govern the press? Why do we have different regulatory systems for television and newspapers (and where should the internet fit in this scheme of things)? How much media should any person or company be allowed to control?

In different weeks, the course will build on areas already studied in Tort Law, Criminal Law and Constitutional and Administrative Law. The course will analyse these various issues in the light of the political and social functions (and responsibilities) of the media. In doing this, aspects of media theory and policy may be drawn on in the readings and discussion. At the end of this course students will have a good understanding of the key debates and principles underlying the legal controls on media and communications.

This option will not be available in 2023-24

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Media Law & Policy New York Law School Media Law Project
Fordham intellectual property, media & entertainment law journal The Fordham Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal, which was formerly called the Intellectual Property, Media & Entertainment Law Journal, contains the full text of documents which are dedicated to specific legal topics of importance to students, practitioners, and academics.
Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media Published quarterly for the Broadcast Education Association, the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media contains timely articles about new developments, trends, and research in electronic media written by academicians, researchers, and other electronic media professionals.
Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law The Journal provides a forum for exploring the complex and unsettled legal principles that apply to the international distribution of media and entertainment. The legal issues surrounding the creation and distribution of news and entertainment products on a worldwide basis necessarily implicate the laws, customs, and practices of multiple jurisdictions. The Journal examines the impact of the Internet and other technologies, the often conflicting laws affecting media and entertainment issues, and the legal ramifications of widely divergent cultural views of privacy, defamation, intellectual property, and government regulation.
Communications and the Law A scholarly journal that examines the legal aspects of communications and the impact of communications issues on the legal system. Presents articles on such topics as freedom of speech, censorship, privacy, businesses' use of the media, and copyright law.
Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal (Comm/Ent) is the nation's preeminent law journal covering communications, entertainment, and intellectual property law. Comm/Ent's publishing agenda has expanded to include the Internet, telecommunications, biotechnology, multimedia, broadcasting, and constitutional law. The journal provides an important forum for legal scholarship in areas of law influencing and shaping the economy and society of the 21st century.
Federal Communications Law Journal Trade journal covering communications law. Published in cooperation with the Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington.
International Journal of Communications Law & Policy The International Journal of Communications Law and Policy contains the full text of documents which are dedicated to the scholarly review of computer, telecommunications and broadcasting issues of importance to students, practitioners and academics.
Media Law Reporter Media Law Reporter is the only weekly reporting service focusing exclusively on federal and state media law. Available in hard copy in the Law Library only.
News Media & The Law Publishes analysis of court decisions, federal and state legislation, and events that affect the news media's ability to gather and disseminate news.
Communications Lawyer Published by the American Bar Association, provides information on communications and media law for lawyers and concerned lay persons.
CommLaw Conspectus Founded in 1967, the Cornell International Law Journal (ILJ) is one of the oldest and most prominent international law journals in the United States. Three times a year, the Journal publishes scholarship that reflects the sweeping changes that are taking place in public and private international law. Each issue features articles by legal scholars, practitioners, and participants in international politics, as well as student-written notes.
Federal Communications Commission Media Bureau The Media Bureau develops, recommends and administers the policy and licensing programs relating to electronic media, including cable television, broadcast television, and radio in the United States and its territories. The Media Bureau also handles post-licensing matters regarding Direct Broadcast Satellite service.
Journalism and Mass Communication Resources Internet Resources on Media Law from University of Iowa.
Federal Communications Law Journal FCLJ publishes three issues per year which feature articles, book reviews, student notes and commentaries focusing on domestic and international communications issues.
American Communication Association The ACA is a not-for-profit virtual professional association with actual presence in the world of communication scholars and practitioners.
American Communication Journal A publication of the American Communication Association.
Law Reviews & Journals Search Free search for open-access law reviews and legal journals, from the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center.
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Cornell Law Faculty Publications

Law and the media: an overview and introduction.

Valerie P. Hans , Cornell Law School Follow

Document Type

Publication date.

Media coverage of legal issues, Pretrial publicity, Crime reporting, Courts and television, Contempt of Court Act, Cameras in court, Media libel litigation

Disciplines

Courts | Law and Society

Although occasional articles on law and the media have been published in Law and Human Behavior , this special issue is the first collection of articles on the topic to appear in the journal. By publishing some of the most recent work on issues in law and the media, we hope to draw the attention of psycholegal scholars to questions in this fertile research area that deserve theoretical and empirical study.

Law and the media have become inescapably intertwined. Because a relatively small proportion of the public has direct experience with the justice system, public knowledge and views of law and the legal system are largely dependent on media representations (Surette, 1984). Indeed, law, crime, and justice are frequent topics of media coverage. A substantial portion of local news pertains to crime and justice, and the legal troubles of our political leaders occupy a significant portion of national news coverage (Graber, 1980). Issues of law, crime, and justice are well represented among the most popular fiction and nonfiction television series and movies. The way in which legal events are covered is also changing. In the United States it is now routine to watch television news broadcasts that include videotaped highlights of ongoing trials, or reporters' posttrial interviews with jurors who have decided controversial cases. Thus the focus of this special issue fits well with the contemporary salience and importance of law and media issues.

Recommended Citation

Hans, Valerie P., "Law and the Media: An Overview and Introduction" (1990). Cornell Law Faculty Publications . 325. https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/facpub/325

Publication Citation

Published in: Law and Human Behavior, vol. 14, no. 5 (October 1990).

Since March 20, 2012

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A Research Guide
Research Paper Topics

120 Law Research Paper Topics

How to choose a topic for your law research paper:.

Business Law Research Paper Topics:

The impact of intellectual property laws on innovation in the technology industry
The legal implications of data breaches and cybersecurity in the business sector
The role of corporate social responsibility in shaping business law and regulations
The legal challenges of international business transactions and cross-border disputes
The impact of antitrust laws on competition and market dynamics
The legal framework for protecting consumer rights in e-commerce
The legal implications of employee privacy rights in the digital age
The role of business law in regulating corporate governance and preventing corporate misconduct
The legal challenges of regulating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain
The legal implications of environmental regulations on business operations and sustainability
The role of business law in promoting fair trade and preventing unfair business practices
The legal challenges of regulating online platforms and the sharing economy
The impact of labor laws on employee rights and workplace regulations
The legal implications of international trade agreements and their impact on domestic businesses
The role of business law in protecting intellectual property rights in the creative industries

Criminal Law Research Paper Topics:

The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on the criminal justice system
The role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations and trials
The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism rates
The ethical implications of using plea bargaining in criminal cases
The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior
The use of technology in preventing and investigating cybercrimes
The impact of racial profiling on the criminal justice system
The legal and ethical considerations of the death penalty
The role of eyewitness testimony in criminal trials
The impact of drug policies on crime rates and public health
The legal and social implications of juvenile justice reform
The use of DNA evidence in exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals
The role of criminal law in addressing domestic violence
The impact of hate crime legislation on preventing and prosecuting hate crimes
The legal and ethical considerations of surveillance and privacy rights in criminal investigations

International Law Research Paper Topics:

The impact of international human rights law on state sovereignty
The role of international criminal law in addressing war crimes and crimes against humanity
The effectiveness of international environmental law in combating climate change
The legal implications of cyber warfare in the context of international law
The challenges and opportunities of international trade law in the era of globalization
The role of international humanitarian law in protecting civilians during armed conflicts
The legal framework for the protection of cultural heritage in times of armed conflict
The legal implications of state-sponsored terrorism under international law
The role of international law in addressing the refugee crisis and protecting the rights of refugees
The legal aspects of territorial disputes and the role of international law in resolving them
The impact of international investment law on foreign direct investment and economic development
The legal framework for the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights under international law
The role of international law in addressing transnational organized crime
The legal implications of the use of force in self-defense under international law
The challenges and opportunities of international law in regulating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons

Law Enforcement Research Paper Topics:

The impact of community policing on crime rates
Racial profiling and its effects on law enforcement practices
The use of body-worn cameras in improving police accountability
The role of technology in modern law enforcement
The effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in preventing terrorism
Police use of force: examining policies and training methods
The relationship between mental health and law enforcement interactions
The impact of social media on law enforcement investigations
Police corruption and strategies for prevention
The role of law enforcement in addressing domestic violence
The use of predictive policing algorithms in crime prevention
The challenges and benefits of implementing restorative justice in law enforcement
The role of law enforcement in combating human trafficking
The impact of drug decriminalization on law enforcement efforts
The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to incarceration in reducing recidivism rates

Constitutional Law Research Paper Topics:

The impact of the First Amendment on freedom of speech in the digital age
Analyzing the constitutionality of affirmative action policies in higher education
The role of the Supreme Court in shaping the interpretation of the Second Amendment
Exploring the constitutionality of warrantless surveillance programs in the United States
The constitutional implications of the death penalty in the context of cruel and unusual punishment
Analyzing the constitutionality of presidential executive orders and their limits
The constitutional rights of non-citizens and the balance between national security and civil liberties
The impact of the Fourth Amendment on privacy rights in the era of technological advancements
The constitutionality of restrictions on religious freedom in the United States
Analyzing the constitutional implications of the war on drugs and its impact on individual rights
The role of the judiciary in protecting reproductive rights and the constitutionality of abortion laws
The constitutional implications of the use of military force and executive power in times of war
Analyzing the constitutionality of campaign finance regulations and their impact on free speech
The constitutional rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and the evolution of marriage equality
The balance between national security and civil liberties in the context of surveillance and intelligence gathering

Environmental Law Research Paper Topics:

The role of international environmental law in addressing climate change
The effectiveness of environmental impact assessments in ensuring sustainable development
Legal implications of biodiversity conservation and protection
The legal framework for regulating pollution from industrial activities
The role of environmental justice in addressing environmental inequalities
Legal challenges and opportunities in transitioning to renewable energy sources
The legal implications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture
The role of environmental law in protecting and managing water resources
Legal frameworks for addressing marine pollution and protecting marine ecosystems
The legal aspects of waste management and recycling
The role of environmental law in promoting sustainable urban development
Legal challenges in regulating and mitigating air pollution
The legal framework for protecting indigenous rights and traditional knowledge in environmental conservation
The role of environmental law in addressing deforestation and promoting sustainable forestry practices
Legal implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, in environmental governance

Family Law Research Paper Topics:

The impact of divorce on children’s mental health
The role of domestic violence in child custody disputes
Same-sex marriage and adoption rights: A comparative analysis
The legal implications of surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies
Parental alienation syndrome: Legal and psychological perspectives
The effectiveness of prenuptial agreements in protecting individual assets
The legal rights of grandparents in child custody battles
The impact of substance abuse on child custody determinations
The legal and ethical considerations of international child abduction cases
The role of family courts in protecting victims of domestic violence
The legal implications of cohabitation and common-law relationships
The impact of social media on divorce proceedings and child custody disputes
The legal rights of unmarried fathers in child custody cases
The role of child support in ensuring the financial well-being of children
The legal and ethical considerations of assisted suicide in cases of terminal illness within families

Employment Law Research Paper Topics:

Discrimination in the workplace: Analyzing the impact of anti-discrimination laws on employment practices
The gig economy and its implications for employment law: Examining the legal challenges faced by gig workers
Workplace harassment and its legal consequences: Investigating the effectiveness of anti-harassment policies
The role of social media in employment law: Exploring the legal boundaries of monitoring employees’ online activities
Employee privacy rights in the digital age: Analyzing the balance between employers’ interests and employees’ privacy expectations
The impact of minimum wage laws on employment rates: Evaluating the economic effects of minimum wage legislation
Non-compete agreements and their enforceability: Assessing the legal limitations and implications of non-compete clauses
Workplace safety regulations and their enforcement: Examining the effectiveness of occupational health and safety laws
The legal implications of workplace drug testing: Analyzing the balance between employers’ interests and employees’ privacy rights
The rights of employees with disabilities: Investigating the legal obligations of employers to accommodate disabled workers
Whistleblower protection laws and their effectiveness: Assessing the legal safeguards for employees who report wrongdoing
The legal implications of employee surveillance: Analyzing the boundaries of workplace monitoring and its impact on employee rights
Employment contracts and their enforceability: Examining the legal requirements and limitations of employment agreements
The legal obligations of employers in cases of workplace violence: Investigating the duty of employers to provide a safe working environment
The impact of technology on employment law: Exploring the legal challenges posed by automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics in the workplace

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190 Unique Law Research Topics for Students to Consider

Table of Contents

If you are a law student, then obviously as a part of your studies you must write an excellent academic paper on any top law research topics. Right now, do you want to write a brilliant law research paper? Are you searching for the best law research topic ideas? If yes, then continue reading this blog post and get interesting law topics for your academic writing.

Law Research Paper Writing

A law research paper is a type of research paper that focuses on any legal topic in the world. The legal topics are nothing but the topic that deals with the legal issues that are resolved in the court.

In general, every country will have its own legal regulations and policies. More commonly, the basic rights and humanity will be the same for all the countries in the world, but specifically, you need to consider the cultural and historical peculiarities of a country while writing a law research paper.

Remember, the law is a sensitive subject and hence, when writing legal research papers, utmost care should be given. You shouldn’t add too much philosophy to it. Your research paper should answer your law essay topics properly with pure black-and-white facts.

You may think that writing a law research paper is easy. But actually, it is not. For writing an intense legal research paper, you must have a unique legal research topic. Particularly, when writing law papers, you should first research and find the legal questions relevant to your topic, analyze the various legal precedents, and present the answer to your legal question in the form of a memo by properly citing all the sources you have used for references.

Law Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

If you want to write a law research paper, then a good law research topic is what you need. Basically, the law is a complex subject, and hence choosing the right research topic from them is challenging. While selecting the legal research topic, be sure to keep the following tips in mind.

Your topic should not be too broad.
It should be informative to your audience.
The topic should be catchy and relevant to modern law.
It should contain relevant supporting materials online or in local libraries.
The topic should deal with relevant legal precedents.
It should answer all the legal essay questions.
Your topic should have real-life cases to illustrate your points.

List of the Best Law Research Paper Topics

Law is a popular discipline among humanitarian sciences that have a wide range of research areas. Some common law research areas include business law, commercial law, environmental law, international law, medical law, constitutional law, cyber law, family law and so on.

As law is a broad subject with endless research topics, it might be difficult for you to choose the most interesting idea from them. So, to make things easier, we have sorted different categories of law and listed some outstanding law research topics for you.

Have a look at the below-mentioned list of law research paper topic ideas and identify aprofound legal research topic of your choice.

Business Law Research Topics

What’s the true nature of business law?
Equity and the doctrines of business law
Morality and its relation to business law
Business laws and the parliament
The formulation of business regulations in Islam
Why are business regulations essential for institutions and organizations?
Business laws in Africa
How crucial is the constitution for the creation of business law?
Business law as a profession
The classification of the business regulations
Describe the Law of Contracts in the United States
Discuss the fundamentals of UK contract law for businesses
Critical evaluation of the role of the judiciary bodies in corporate law
Disclose an insight into contract laws with respect to the application of verbal and non-verbal agreements
Importance of collective bargaining agreements and laws on labor relations
How to deal with corruption in business law?
Discuss the difference between the EU and the UK after the implementation of the Brexit Contract Law
Discuss the protections provided to the minority shareholders in the corporate law regime of India
Compare and contrast the legal aspects of corporate M&A (mergers and acquisitions) in the United States and Australia
Analysis of the role of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition in regulating the anti-competitive practices in the market
Compare and contrast the legal aspects of e-commerce in the US and the UK
Critical analysis of the role played by the Arbitration and conciliation act in resolving business disputes
Compare and contrast the company law act in Australia and Canada
Discuss how anti-money laundering laws of a country impact businesses
Describe the implications of digital payment systems

Commercial Law Research Paper Topics

What are the dangers and potential results of commercial partnerships?
A comprehensive analysis of pre-incorporation contracts: How do they work?
Reviewing the use of international commercial law in energy projects across the globe.
Assessing the mediating role of corporate social responsibility in companies’ performance.
Evaluating the commercial laws that should be used against dishonest managers.
Reviewing the US commercial laws: What should be changed or added?
Evaluating the regulations aimed at stopping corruption: A case study of the UK.
Reviewing the implications of international commercial law in UK commercial laws.
Assessing the effectiveness of international commercial law programs in UK universities.
Evaluating the effectiveness of commercial law to support commercial transactions in the US.
Critical analysis of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Discuss the benefits of Commercial Law
Analyze the difficulties faced by businesses due to pursuing Regular or Commercial Lease
Describe the effect of business law on commercial transactions and licensing
Critical analysis of the labor law in Tanzania
Develop a comparative study on international labor standards that regulate multinational companies in developing countries

Constitutional Law Research Topics

The Internet and its impact on Free Speech
The pros and cons of federalism
What’s the freedom of the press?
The desecration and flag burning
A comparison between constitutions and state laws
What are the rights of victims of self-incrimination?
The pros and cons of Constitutionalism
All about gun control and its history in the US
What are the key changes that the First Amendment has brought?
What changes did the Bill of Rights bring?

Criminal Law Research Topics

Why does one crime have a set of different punishments?
The roots of criminologists’ work and their work in modern times
Can sociology have an impact on preventing crime?
The ethical and legal issues related to criminal activity in your country.
The real truth behind domestic violence
What is quantitative criminology, and how does it differ from other types of crime?
When does the international criminal court come into play?
Analyzing the use of lie detectors in criminal justice: How effective are the lie detectors?
A deeper look at the history of the death penalty.
The key differences between male and female rape legislation
Evaluating crime-related factors that should not be presented in a court of law.
A thematic review of criminal theory: Exploring the link between crime and morality.
What are the best ways to protect witnesses from retaliation in criminal cases?
Is criminal profiling by law enforcement truly helpful in identifying serial killers?
How does the criminal justice system keep an eye on police with body cameras?

Read more: Criminal Justice Research Topics Idea for students

Research Topics on Family Law

Evaluating the impacts of the law on divorce: Has it increased the cases of divorce or reduced them?
Review the important implications and reasons for changes to family law in the last 20 years.
Assessing the factors that hinder couples from pursuing a divorce.
The global issues and legal aspects of marriage and divorce of mentally unstable individuals.
Explore divorce and social consequences across family law and religious perspectives.
Analyze the legal foundations of parenting and civil partnerships.
Assessing human rights in states that follow religious laws for families: A case study of India.
Compare the divorce rights for women in Pakistan and the UK.
How does culture impact decision-making on transgender marriages and divorce in the US?
Evaluating the compatibility of child justice with family justice: A case study of the UK.

Cyber Law Research Topics

The main cyber laws and enforcement today
What are the skills of an excellent cyber lawyer?
How can the government impact cyberterrorism?
Cybercrime and cyberterrorism
The penalties for cybercrime
All about private data, revenge porn, blackmailing, and our internet privacy
Is it the government’s job to analyze the flow of network traffic?
Cyberlaw trends and how the online community sticks to them.
The Internet Era and identity theft: Is it a crime of modern times?
Categories of cybercrime and the main cybersecurity strategies against violators.

Read more: Interesting Cybercrime Research Topics To Deal With your paper

Research Ideas on Environmental Law

The environmental influence on the rate of crime
How has global environmental law changed today?
The importance of environmental law for the health of current generations.
Biological weapons and their regulations by international environmental law.
Will the Uber industry impact the ecology in America?
The current environmental regulations in the United States
Sustainability and environmental compliance due to environmental law and economic reality.
All about the environmental regulations in Canada
Waste management in countries with a high economic level.
Environmental law in Australia and climate change

Employment Law Research Topics

A comprehensive review of employment contracts and job contracts in the US manufacturing industry.
A legal viewpoint of employee mobility between European Union countries.
Equal employment opportunities: Comparing gender differences in the UK and US regulations.
Compare the UK laws before and after exiting the European Union.
Reviewing legal perspectives of social work employment: A case study of California, USA.
A comparative analysis of employment laws in the automotive industry in the US and UK.
Analyze the impact of trade unions and their work in the UK.
The convergence of employment laws and religion in the USA: A literature review.
Evaluating the efficiency of workplace sexual harassment: A case study of the US and UK.
A critical evaluation of the employment law of disabled individuals in the US.

Law Research Topics on Intellectual Property

Evaluating laws for intellectual property rights protection on the internet.
A comprehensive assessment of the economic impacts of intellectual property rights
Evaluating the fair dealing in terms of copyright law: A case study of the US.
How has EU law impacted the intellectual property regime in the UK?
Can the emerging technological advancements operate smoothly with the current intellectual property laws in the US?
Demystifying the relationship between intellectual property laws and EU regulations?
Comparing and contrasting the intellectual property regimes in the UK and the US.
Evaluating the implications of Brexit on the protection of intellectual property rights in the UK.
Is the EU intellectual property law safe and fair for users and owners?
Does the EU copyright law provide ample balance between the needs of inventors and users?
Comparison of the institutions and regulations governing intellectual property in China and India
An in-depth analysis of the UK’s invention and patenting system: Can the existing, rigid system stimulate innovation?
Critical analysis of the development of copyright and moral rights in the legal system of Europe
Infringement of foreign copyright and jurisdiction of the European Court
Critical analysis of the economic rationale of Trademarks
Analyze the emerging role of patents in innovation and intellectual property protection in the software industry
Peer-to-Peer Technology: Analysis of contributory infringement and fair use
Trademark protection is and ought to be the need of businesses to protect their brand value: Explain
What do fair pricing and fair dealing with copyright regulations mean?
Trade-Related Aspects of IP Rights: A Workable Instrument for Enforcing Benefit Sharing

International Law Research Paper Topics

The principles used to formulate international criminal laws.
Ethical systems and international relations
Problems of code-based ethics
How do different countries deal with false confessions?
Different treatment of terrorism as a crime in different countries
Diplomats and their protection of international morality.
Did the US involvement in Iraq provide justice or violate the law?
Laws on mental health in different countries
The issues of traditional justification
The question of ethics in the international legal context.
International Human Rights Court Hearings: Evaluating the importance of precedence.
What are the problems of enforcing international law in developing countries?
Evaluating the efficiency of International Tribunals in solving war crimes.
Digital and internet legislation: Forecasting the future.
Assessing the relationship between public safety and civil liberties in international laws.

Medical Law Research Topics

The common law towards refusal of medical treatment.
Evaluating the laws governing organ transplantation: A case study of the US .
How do ethics and medical law coexist?
Ethics and Medical Laws in World War II
Law application in medicine: Exploring the antecedents and practice.
Evaluating the ethical and legal challenges of using biobanks.
Exploring the legal aspects of electronic fetal monitoring.
How do lawsuits affect medical practitioners’ commitment to offering lifesaving treatments?
Unregistered medical intervention in the UK: What are the legal implications?
Morality and law in the abortion debate.
In accordance with international environmental law, biological weapons are prohibited.
Will the Uber industry have an impact on American ecology?
United States environmental laws are in effect today.
Due to environmental legislation and economic reality, sustainability, and environmental compliance.
anything about Canadian environmental laws.
evaluating aspects of crime that shouldn’t be discussed in court.
What are the best strategies for shielding witnesses in criminal cases from reprisals?
A more thorough examination of the death penalty’s past
Examining the connection between crime and morality is the focus of this examination of criminal theory.
A case study of London’s examination into the difficulties in determining the type and distribution of crime.

A Few More Medical Law Research Ideas

How to balance the rights of defendants and victims when using anonymity in sexual offense litigation.
Slavery, prostitution, and human trafficking. the methods used globally to eradicate it.
Is identity theft a modern-day crime? prevention of identity theft in the post-Internet era.
criminality and psychology. Are some people more likely than others to breach the law?
Social control theory against the self-control hypothesis
False confessions and how they are handled in various nations.
The environment’s impact on crime rates is one of the theories behind shattered windows.
Similarities and disparities between mental diseases and crime in various nations.
education, criminal behavior, and intelligence.
From the beginning to the present, criminologists’ fieldwork.
How does quantitative criminology differ from other types of crime? What is it?
When is the use of the international criminal court appropriate?
Examining the effectiveness of lie detectors in the criminal justice system:
A more thorough investigation of the death penalty’s past.
The main distinctions between male and female rape laws
Assessing criminal-related variables that shouldn’t be brought up in court.
What effects has EU law had on the UK’s system of intellectual property?
Can the advancing technologies coexist peacefully with the US’s current intellectual property laws?
Explaining the connection between EU rules and intellectual property laws?

Wrapping Up

In order to get top grades for your law research paper, a peculiar topic is mainly needed. Especially, by choosing an idea from the list of 150+ law research topics suggested in this blog post, you can write a top-quality academic paper and make your work stand out in the crowd. In case you find it difficult to write a legal research paper, then immediately reach out to us for professional Law assignment help . We have a team of academic writers who are experts in the field of law to assist you in completing your law research paper on any impressive topic as per requirements.

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220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

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I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

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100 Best Media Topics For Research Writing

We know you need the best media topics for your next papers. Otherwise, why would you be reading this blog post? The good news is that you have picked the best place to look for topics. Our experienced writers have put together a list of the best media topics for high school and college students. Furthermore, we work hard to keep the list fresh. This means that these ideas will be most likely original. They will work great in 2023 because the list of media essay topics is updated periodically.

The Importance of Great Media Topics

You are probably wondering why we are putting so much emphasis on getting you the best media topics to write about. There are several reasons for it, but we will only tell you about 3 of them:

Your professor will greatly appreciate your willingness to dedicate the time and effort to finding excellent topics . Trust us, professors know how to make the difference between students based solely on the topics they choose for their papers.
It is much easier to write essays if you choose good media essays topics . A topic you know something about is the best choice. Also, a good topic enables you to quickly find plenty of information on the Internet. Following this advice you’ll easily write your literature review and the following components of your paper.
By choosing a great topic, your essay will immediately stand out from all the rest . Your professor is surely bored of reading papers written about the same things over and over again. An interesting idea will entice him to award you at least some bonus points.

Mass Media Topics

Mass media is something of great importance in modern times, so why not write your papers on some mass media topics? Here are some great examples:

The effect of mass media on psychological health
Mass media and emotional health
Mass media addiction in the US
The role of mass media in politics
The First Amendment in mass media
Promoting sexuality in mass media

Media Research Topics

Did your professor ask of you to write a research paper? No problem, we have some excellent media research topics in our list. Check them out below:

Discuss children media
Violence in mass media in the US
Video games in the media
Controversial topics in the media in Europe
Discuss post-truth in the media
Media regulations in China

Media Analysis Essay Topics for Presentation

Would you like to write a media analysis paper for a presentation? It’s not difficult to do, if you pick the right media analysis essay topics for presentation. Here are some excellent ideas:

Is the media creating events or reacting to them?
Media and public relations links
Discuss 3 major types of media
The use of media in education (one of the most interesting mass media research paper topics)
Influence of virtual reality on the media (one of the best media analysis essay topics)
Discuss journalism ethics

Media Research Paper Topics for High School

Are you a high school student looking for some awesome topic for his next research paper on media? Here are some excellent examples of media research paper topics for high school:

Major innovations in 21st century media
Compare mainstream media in India and China
What makes an outlet a reliable source?
Advertisements in media
Benefits of mass media for society
Compare traditional media with mass media

Mass Media Research Topics

If you need to write a research paper and want to talk about something in mass media, we have some very nice ideas right here. Check out our mass media research topics:

The right of expression in mass media
Journalism in mass media
Compare TV, film and radio
Mass media in democracy
The war against terror in mass media
Discuss the rise of mobile media

Media Research Topics for College Students

College students who are looking to research topics about media should choose something that can bring them a top grade. Here are our best media research topics for college students:

Influences of technology on media
Latest innovations in media
Discuss media censorship in China (a recommended media related topic)
What is media propaganda?
Mass media and its preemptive effects

Complex Media Related Research Topics

Do you want to try your hand at some difficult topics? If you want to impress your professor, we advise you to select one of these complex media related research topics:

Mass media violating civil rights
Does media benefit the economy of the US?
Define media addition and discuss its effects
Perform a qualitative analysis of 3 media outlets
Media’s scare strategies: a case study
Media influencing a rise in violence in the UK

Controversial Media Topics

Why should you be frightened by controversial topics? You are free to write about them, of course. Here are our best and most controversial media topics:

Exercising the First Amendment in media in the US
Promoting gun violence in mass media
Mass media effects on terrorism
Digital media is destroying traditional media
Artificial intelligence in mass media
Media effects on the death penalty in China

Digital Media Topics

Discussing digital media is a very good way to impress your professor. Let’s face it; the digital realm is extremely popular these days. Here are some brand new digital media topics:

Define and discuss digital media
Climate change in digital media
What is mobile media?
The fate of journalism in the 21st century (one of the best digital media research topics)
Effects of digital media on politics

Media Analysis Topics

Writing a media analysis essay can be a very difficult task, especially if you don’t have much academic writing experience. Here are some media analysis topics that should make things easier:

How Trump lost the media war
Biden’s coverage in mass media in the United States
Advertising revenue in media outlets
Analyze screen time
What are deepfakes and how to spot one?
The crisis of journalism in the 21st century

Easy Media Related Topics

The perfect choice for times when you simply cannot afford to spend too much time writing your essay, our list easy media related topics is right here:

Define mass media in the United Kingdom
Should children watch the news?
Promoting violence in mass media
Spreading awareness via media
Are newspapers still relevant today?
The very first occurrence of mass media

Research Topics in Media and Communication

Would you like to talk about media and communication? It is not an easy subject to write about, but we can make things easier. Here are the easiest research topics in media and communication:

Discuss body image in media
Analyze children’s advertising tactics
Freedom of speech in the media
Copyright law in the media
Define symmetrical dialogue in the media

Media Debate Topics

Are you interested in a media debate? Getting the best topics for 2023 should be your primary concern in this case. We have some very interesting media debate topics right here:

The impact of public relations on communities
Location-based advertising in modern media
Analyze the concept of yellow journalism
Good news vs bad news in the media
Discuss the concept of proportionality in media

Brand New Media Topics

Just like you, our writers are interested in writing about the latest topics. Why don’t you pick one of our brand new media topics?

Is radio still an important part of media?
Newspapers going bankrupt in 2023
Sexual content on TV shows
Politicians’ love for the media
Is the backing of the media important for a president?

Media Ethics Topics

Discussing ethics in relation to media is a very interesting choice. It can also get you an A+ on your next paper. Here are some exceptional media ethics topics:

Including graphic images in media
Depicting terrorism on TV
Regulating newspapers in Europe
Celebrity gossip in the media
The influence of large media corporations

Media Law Topics

Yes, there is such a thing as media law. Would you like to write an essay about it? Here are some great ideas for media law topics:

Discuss the First Amendment and media
The responsibilities of journalists
Journalists in war zones
Fake news in the media
Showing unsuitable content to children

Research Topics in Communication and Media Studies

Writing about communication and media studies has the potential to help you get a top grade. Here are our best research topics in communication and media studies:

Analyze media bias in the United States
Is digital media addictive?
Influence of media on religion

Interesting Media Topics

We know, you want the most interesting media topics to write about. Pick one of these and write a paper that will impress your professor:

State-controlled media in China
Effects of media coverage on criminal trials
The power of mass media in 2023

How social media is changing defamation law

Expert Viewpoint
Pritzker School of Law

Social media has radically changed the way people receive and share information or opinions about one another. Unfounded statements on the Internet can enter the mainstream in a viral moment, as seen in a recent series of high-profile cases that use defamation law to fight online misinformation and untruths.

Hosted by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marking Communications, a panel, “How is Social Media Changing Defamation Law?” was held recently in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the 1965 U.S. Supreme Court decision New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which revolutionized libel law. The historic ruling determined that freedom of speech protections restrict the ability of public officials to sue for defamation.

In two recent defamation cases, that of E. Jean Carroll against former President Donald Trump and the case brought by two election workers against Rudy Giuliani, juries awarded a total of more than $230 million to people whose lives were turned upside down by — in these cases — the public figures themselves and their followers on social media.

“(These cases are) not an attempt to silence the truth, a concern that animated Sullivan, but to use liable suits to silence the lying that was taking place online and elsewhere,” said senior vice president and deputy general counsel at the New York Times Company David McCraw, who moderated the panel.

All Northwestern alumni, the featured panelists served as counsel in the Carroll v. Trump and Freeman v. Giuliani cases: Shawn G. Crowley ’06, partner at Kaplan Heckler & Fink; Meryl Governski ’04 MS, partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher; Michael Gottlieb ’99, partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher; and Ashlee Humphreys ’03, ’08 Ph.D., associate professor of integrated marketing communications at Medill, who testified as an expert on reputational damage to plaintiffs in both trials.

Author E. Jean Carroll sued Donald Trump for defamation after he accused her of lying in her 2019 memoir that he had sexually assaulted her. She won more than $88 million in two separate suits.

“When the president speaks, the world listens, especially a president who has access to Twitter,” said Crowley, the lead attorney in Carroll v. Trump. “The statement that Carroll was lying to sell books, that spread all over the world very, very quickly. (Carroll) immediately started getting hate mail, death threats and horrible messages which have continued for the last five years.”

Gottlieb and Governski were the lead counsel on the Freeman v. Giuliani case, brought by election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss who sued Rudy Giuliani for defamation – after deliberately spreading lies that they committed election fraud.

Gottlieb compared what happened to his clients to the notoriety of being famous, but not having access to the power or money to deal with it.

“Imagine all the stuff that a celebrity has to deal with, the bad stuff they have to deal with, and then imagine that they had no money, no power or no authority to deal with it,” he said.

Humphreys said there is a unique challenge in quantifying harm done to a plaintiff that is not famous or of notoriety.

“When a famous person sues for defamation, they have existing reputations that can be quantified by the movie deals that they've missed out on or other work that was taken away,” she said. “But we all have reputations, so how do you come up with a number?”

As an expert witness, Humphries based damages on the number of people who see the defamatory content online, factor in impressions to capture how widely it spread, and assess its impact.

“All of this affects a person’s reputation in the world, famous or not,” she said.

Even in light of these high-profile settlements, Gottlieb says he doesn’t think it will stop the political theatre of spreading lies, but the attacks may become less specific.

“I hope that at least people who are engaged in the sport of politics this year will take that message that there's a way to do this and say all the same stuff you want to say without destroying civil servants in the process.”

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U.S. Supreme Court Changes Law on Government First Amendment Liability for Social Media Activities

April 8, 2024 by Harry Boesche Category: Court Decisions and AGO Opinions , Social Media

A surprised woman reads comments by critics on social media

The U.S. Supreme Court (Court) recently decided Lindke v. Freed . The case changes Washington law regarding government social media liability and has important implications for local government officials and their agency employers.

Lindke addressed whether a public official violates the First Amendment by deleting or blocking public responses to job-related comments the official posts to their personal social media account. Lindke holds that public officials are only liable for social media First Amendment violations when the official:

has actual government speaking authority on the involved social media topic; and
uses that actual speaking authority in the involved social media exchange.

Lindke overturns the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Garnier v. O’Connor-Ratcliff decision ( vacated and remanded by the Court due to Lindke ), which was previously Washington’s leading case on this topic.

Unlike the Lindke ruling, Garnier had held that public officials are liable for violating commentor’s First Amendment rights if the official’s social media activity created even an appearance of government speaking authority. Lindke ’s ruling now requiring actual speaking authority before an official can be found liable provides clear guardrails for both public officials and local governments.

A Background of the Problem

Local governments and officials (including mayors, city councilmembers, district commissioners and other officials) frequently use social media to disseminate information and to respond to public concerns or requests. Given social media’s popularity and effectiveness, this is unlikely to change and will likely only continue and increase.

However, public officials’ social media use also creates legal issues since government social media can create a public forum impacting public First Amendment rights. Public officials who delete or block public comments on government-hosted social media platforms limit the public’s access to this forum and, accordingly, may be liable for a First Amendment violation through “state action” under federal law ( 42 U.S.C. §1983 ). Since many agencies cover their officials’ job-related liabilities, an official’s liability can become the agencies’ also.

Governments agencies that own and control their social media platforms can navigate these legal issues more easily. Things get tougher when public officials discuss job-related matters on their personal social media sources, as it gets harder to tell when the official is speaking and acting officially (and subject to First Amendment liability) and when the official is free from such liability by speaking and acting personally . The obvious question becomes: When is an official’s personal social media use “job related,” creating this potential First Amendment liability?

Lindke answers this question and changes previous Washington law in the process.

The Lindke Case

The Lindke case involved Port Huron (MI) City Manager James Freed using his personal (but publicly open) Facebook account to post both personal and job-related comments about the COVID-19 pandemic. Freed’s personal posts related to changes in family activities during the pandemic, while his job-related posts described his city’s hiring freeze and included a city press release. Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke responded to Freed’s account posts, complaining about the city’s overall pandemic response and criticizing specific actions of city leaders during the pandemic. Freed deleted Lindke’s comments and later blocked Lindke from commenting altogether.

Lindke sued Freed in federal court, claiming that Freed’s social media blocking violated Lindke’s First Amendment rights through state action under 42 U.S.C. §1983 . The Court held that a public official’s social media activity is state action under 42 U.S.C. §1983 only if the official meets both of these two requirements:

The official had the government’s actual speaking authority on the specific social media topic involved . Whether an official has this actual government speaking authority is fact-specific and can’t be determined by an official’s government employee status alone. Instead, an official’s government speaking authority depends on the specific responsibilities that an agency has entrusted the official to perform.
The official used their actual government speaking authority in the involved social media activity . An official with actual government speaking authority uses it when they use social media to speak in their official capacity or to further their official or legal responsibilities.

Officials and agencies cannot be found liable for First Amendment violations for social media use falling outside of this actual and used authority. The Court also noted that social media accounts labeled “personal” are entitled to “heavy presumptions” that posts to the account are personal and not attributable to the government. Likewise, an official’s social media communications that merely repeat or share already publicly available information are more likely personal than official.

How Lindke Changes Washington Law

Before Lindke , the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Garnier case regulated Washington in the question of public official First Amendment liability for social media use.

Garnier involved two school district trustees using Facebook and Twitter (i.e., X) accounts to communicate with constituents about district issues. The trustees blocked unfavorable comments posted to the accounts by two district parents. The parents sued, arguing that the trustees’ comment blocks were state actions infringing their First Amendment rights and triggering 42 U.S.C. §1983 liability.

In contrast to Lindke , the Garnier court decided the case by focusing on what the trustees’ social media accounts portrayed to the public and how the public reacted to the portrayal. Public officials are only liable for social media First Amendment violations if their social media use is sufficiently and legally connected to their job. Garnier found this legal connection if the officials’ social media activity made the public think that the government authorized it. Lindke finds this connection only when the government has in fact authorized the official’s social media activity.

Lindke ’s focus on a public official’s actual authority in determining social media liability under 42 U.S.C §1983 presents a few takeaways. Local governments should:

create and designate social media accounts for public officials;
establish clear parameters on an official’s speaking authority; and
adopt rules to “mark” statements by officials.

Create and clearly designate social media accounts for use by officials

As stated above, the legal pitfalls related to social media use become most prominent when officials use personal accounts for official purposes. Lindke ’s heavy presumption that social media statements posted to a personal account indicates that clear designations of account ownership can help navigate questions of government liability for social media activity.

Lindke also noted that the potential for an official’s liability increases when the official fails to confine personal posts in a clearly designated personal social media account. Ensuring that officials have a clear path for “authorized” speaking lessens the temptation of mixing personal and official speech.

Establish clear parameters on an official’s speaking authority

As Lindke noted, an official is only liable for censoring social media posts that are connected to the official’s authority. An official’s authority can be established through formal enactments like ordinances, governing body and department head policies, or from prior practices that create a “permanent and well-settled” recognition of the official’s authority to speak on particular agency matters.

Adopt rules to “mark” statements of officials

In further refining the requirement that officials act pursuant to their speaking authority to be liable, Lindke noted that statements “marking” the parameters of an official’s social media activity (such as: “This is the personal page of…” or “The views expressed are my own”) give the benefit of clear context to meet the heavy presumption in favor of personal statements and against liability. Rules for officials to help them navigate communications can greatly assist in this area.

A note about public records — Lindke does not change the Washington Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Public Records Act and the application of the “scope of employment” test to determine whether activity on a personal social media account rises to the level of being a public record. For more on this topic, see the MRSC blog: New Ruling Finds Facebook Posts Can Be a Public Record .

MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions.

About Harry Boesche

Blog archives, weekly e-news.

Get the latest local government news, analysis, and training opportunities in Washington State with MRSC’s Weekly Insights .

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50 Research Topics For Law Students In August 2022: Read Now!

If you are a law student and love research, here’s our flagship article. Our team has meticulously prepared a list of 50 top contemporary topics for research in August 2022 across a number of legal subjects . Happy Researching!

Military law 1. Military Law v. Martial Law: A Comparative Study. 2. Authorities under Military Law in India. 3. Punishments under Military Law v. Civil Law: A Comparative Study. 4. Evolution of Military Law in India. Admiralty (Maritime) Law 1. Local laws v. Maritime Law: Which shall prevail? 2. Suez Canal crisis: What it cost the world? 3. 10 Things to Know Before Becoming A Maritime Lawyer 4. Enforcement of Maritime Law: A Critical Analysis 5. Relevance of South China Sea Globally. Bankruptcy Law 1. Efficiency of Fast track Resolution Process in India. 2. Authorities governing Insolvency and Bankruptcy in India: An Analysis 3. Cross-Border Insolvency in India. 4. Evolution of insolvency and bankruptcy laws in India: Landmark Judgments Business (Corporate) Law 1. Corporate Law Journals to Publish Your Research Paper. 2. Effective corporate governance laws: A Review 3. Top Research Journals for Corporate Law in India.

Civil Rights Law 1. Beef in India: A Study into Religious aspect 2. Drug abuse in India: A Critical analysis of Sushant Singh Rajput case. 3. Females of Islam: A Study 4. A critical analysis of Niqah Halala in Islam. 5. Maintenance to wives, children and parents in India: A Study through Landmark cases. Criminal law 1. Constitutional perspective of Criminal Procedure Code. 2. A critical Analysis of Plea bargaining Procedure. 3. Sex work in India: Morality v. Legality 4. Appeal, Review, Revision of Cases in India. 5. Rationale behind Death Penalty in India: A Critical Analysis. Entertainment law 1. Entertainment Law in India: A Jurisprudential Study. 2. An Introduction to Entertainment Law: A Basic Study. 3. Regulation of Pornography in OTT Platforms. 4. Royalties of Artistic Works in India: A Study 5. Regulations on Piracy and Pirated Works. Environment law 1. Indian environmental law for the sustainability of the resources and management: A critical assessment. 2. Politics v. Environment Law: A Study. 3. Important International Treaties on Climate Change. 4. Kyoto Protocol: Landmark Treaty on Climate Change.

Health law 1. Analysis of Insanity in Law. 2. Regulation of Donation of Organs in India and Globally. 3. Jurisprudence of Health law. 4. Right to Die: Law and Legislation. 5. Law and Biotechnology. Sports law 1. Sports Industry Law and Regulation: A Need of the Hour. 2. Relevance of sports law in India. 3. India’s Draft National Air Sports Policy 2022: A brief analysis. 4. Sports law and its aspect of Intellectual Property Rights. 5. Analysing the future of Sports Law in India. Moneylaundering law 1. Analysing India’s money laundering and anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations. 2. Hasan Ali Khan v Union of India: Case Analysis. 3. Analysing the legal issues in JKCA money laundering case. 4. Vijay Madanlal Choudhary & Ors. v. Union of India: Case Analysis. 5. The powers of the Directorate of Enforcement in Anti-Money Laundering cases.

YLCC would like to thank Akhila Sawan for her valuable contribution in this publication.

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9 facts about americans and marijuana.

People smell a cannabis plant on April 20, 2023, at Washington Square Park in New York City. (Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)

The use and possession of marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law, but about three-quarters of states have legalized the drug for medical or recreational purposes. The changing legal landscape has coincided with a decades-long rise in public support for legalization, which a majority of Americans now favor.

Here are nine facts about Americans’ views of and experiences with marijuana, based on Pew Research Center surveys and other sources.

As more states legalize marijuana, Pew Research Center looked at Americans’ opinions on legalization and how these views have changed over time.

Data comes from surveys by the Center, Gallup , and the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Information about the jurisdictions where marijuana is legal at the state level comes from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws .

More information about the Center surveys cited in the analysis, including the questions asked and their methodologies, can be found at the links in the text.

Around nine-in-ten Americans say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, according to a January 2024 Pew Research Center survey . An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (88%) say either that marijuana should be legal for medical use only (32%) or that it should be legal for medical and recreational use (57%). Just 11% say the drug should not be legal in any form. These views have held relatively steady over the past five years.

A pie chart showing that only about 1 in 10 U.S. adults say marijuana should not be legal at all.

Views on marijuana legalization differ widely by age, political party, and race and ethnicity, the January survey shows.

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that views about legalizing marijuana differ by race and ethnicity, age and partisanship.

While small shares across demographic groups say marijuana should not be legal at all, those least likely to favor it for both medical and recreational use include:

Older adults: 31% of adults ages 75 and older support marijuana legalization for medical and recreational purposes, compared with half of those ages 65 to 74, the next youngest age category. By contrast, 71% of adults under 30 support legalization for both uses.
Republicans and GOP-leaning independents: 42% of Republicans favor legalizing marijuana for both uses, compared with 72% of Democrats and Democratic leaners. Ideological differences exist as well: Within both parties, those who are more conservative are less likely to support legalization.
Hispanic and Asian Americans: 45% in each group support legalizing the drug for medical and recreational use. Larger shares of Black (65%) and White (59%) adults hold this view.

Support for marijuana legalization has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In addition to asking specifically about medical and recreational use of the drug, both the Center and Gallup have asked Americans about legalizing marijuana use in a general way. Gallup asked this question most recently, in 2023. That year, 70% of adults expressed support for legalization, more than double the share who said they favored it in 2000.

A line chart showing that U.S. public opinion on legalizing marijuana, 1969-2023.

Half of U.S. adults (50.3%) say they have ever used marijuana, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health . That is a smaller share than the 84.1% who say they have ever consumed alcohol and the 64.8% who have ever used tobacco products or vaped nicotine.

While many Americans say they have used marijuana in their lifetime, far fewer are current users, according to the same survey. In 2022, 23.0% of adults said they had used the drug in the past year, while 15.9% said they had used it in the past month.

While many Americans say legalizing recreational marijuana has economic and criminal justice benefits, views on these and other impacts vary, the Center’s January survey shows.

Economic benefits: About half of adults (52%) say that legalizing recreational marijuana is good for local economies, while 17% say it is bad. Another 29% say it has no impact.

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing how Americans view the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana.

Criminal justice system fairness: 42% of Americans say legalizing marijuana for recreational use makes the criminal justice system fairer, compared with 18% who say it makes the system less fair. About four-in-ten (38%) say it has no impact.
Use of other drugs: 27% say this policy decreases the use of other drugs like heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, and 29% say it increases it. But the largest share (42%) say it has no effect on other drug use.
Community safety: 21% say recreational legalization makes communities safer and 34% say it makes them less safe. Another 44% say it doesn’t impact safety.

Democrats and adults under 50 are more likely than Republicans and those in older age groups to say legalizing marijuana has positive impacts in each of these areas.

Most Americans support easing penalties for people with marijuana convictions, an October 2021 Center survey found . Two-thirds of adults say they favor releasing people from prison who are being held for marijuana-related offenses only, including 41% who strongly favor this. And 61% support removing or expunging marijuana-related offenses from people’s criminal records.

Younger adults, Democrats and Black Americans are especially likely to support these changes. For instance, 74% of Black adults favor releasing people from prison who are being held only for marijuana-related offenses, and just as many favor removing or expunging marijuana-related offenses from criminal records.

Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legalized small amounts of marijuana for both medical and recreational use as of March 2024, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), an advocacy group that tracks state-level legislation on the issue. Another 14 states have legalized the drug for medical use only.

A map of the U.S. showing that nearly half of states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana.

Of the remaining 12 states, all allow limited access to products such as CBD oil that contain little to no THC – the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. And 26 states overall have at least partially decriminalized recreational marijuana use , as has the District of Columbia.

In addition to 24 states and D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands , Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use.

More than half of Americans (54%) live in a state where both recreational and medical marijuana are legal, and 74% live in a state where it’s legal either for both purposes or medical use only, according to a February Center analysis of data from the Census Bureau and other outside sources. This analysis looked at state-level legislation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to pass legislation legalizing recreational marijuana.

About eight-in-ten Americans (79%) live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary, according to the February analysis. There are nearly 15,000 marijuana dispensaries nationwide, and 76% are in states (including D.C.) where recreational use is legal. Another 23% are in medical marijuana-only states, and 1% are in states that have made legal allowances for low-percentage THC or CBD-only products.

The states with the largest number of dispensaries include California, Oklahoma, Florida, Colorado and Michigan.

A map of the U.S. showing that cannabis dispensaries are common along the coasts and in a few specific states.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 26, 2021, and updated April 13, 2023.

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Americans overwhelmingly say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use

Religious americans are less likely to endorse legal marijuana for recreational use, four-in-ten u.s. drug arrests in 2018 were for marijuana offenses – mostly possession, two-thirds of americans support marijuana legalization, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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School of Law student researches single-use plastics

At the UN COP 28 this past Fall, student Kaitlyn Jauregui presented on Single-Use Plastics, and wrote a research paper on U.S. legislation relating to plastics and how companies should adapt.

School of Law student Kaitlyn Jauregu presented on single-use plastics at the COP 28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates in December. Photo: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Jauregui

By Catharine Skipp [email protected] 04-09-2024

Growing up, Kaitlyn Jauregui and her friends loved kayaking on the Oleta River in North Miami Beach near her home. They were appalled by the trash washed up on the shores and bobbing on the river that connects the Everglades with Biscayne Bay. They started bringing bags on their trips to collect water bottles, plastic caps and bags, and other detritus and properly dispose of them.

Fast forward a decade, and Jauregui is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this past December attending the United Nations climate summit—the 28th annual Conference of the Parties, known as COP28, with professor Jessica Owley , director of the Environmental Law Program , and her peers from the University of Miami School of Law .

There, the 24-year-old presented her research on single-use plastics in the food and beverage industry and worked with the Ecuadorian delegation, focusing on a long-range goal of forming a treaty to end the practice. Jauregui recently prepared a brief for the Ecuadorian government.

From rivers to beaches to an educational concentration

By the time Jauregui attended the Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami, her interests had grown, and she enrolled in AP environmental science.

"The course made me very interested in environmental studies, and I considered pursuing environmental law for a while,” she said.

Jauregui was also a part of her high school's law academy, which replaced all participating students' electives with legal-based studies. "I loved the in-class debates and legal theory projects, so from then I knew I would study law," she said. Jauregui gained practical experience through the program by volunteering at the North Dade Justice Center for Justice Jason Dimitris.

However, she had been surrounded by a business mindset her entire life, being around her family's successful luxury bus company, and had always known business would figure somehow into her future career.

After that, she found a great way to combine her business, law, and environmental studies interests. At Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, Jauregui earned a B.B.A. in marketing and sustainability from the Goizueta Business School, leading her to her first U.N. COP attendance in 2019. She studied "how we in business and law can incorporate greener practices," an interest that continued into law school.

Distilling her many interests, at the School of Law she is an editor of the Business Law Review and has garnered Legal Academy Fellow Honors: CALI Award in Corporate Compliance and Risk Management, Dean's Award in Administrative Law, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Fellowship, and Cuban American Bar Association Scholarship.

Following her graduation in May and admission to The Florida Bar, Jauregui will be junior legal counsel in the general counsel's office of Celsius Holdings Inc., the global energy drink company, where she will enhance company policies regarding international trade, sustainability goals, and intellectual property.

Jauregui hopes to inspire lawyers and businesspersons to be mindful of their influence on stakeholder decision-making about consumption and waste. "I would like to promote the idea of a circular economy in my role at Celsius," she said.

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Yes, we’re divided. But new AP-NORC poll shows Americans still agree on most core American values

Most U.S. adults share many core values on what it means to be an American despite the country’s deep political polarization according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

FILE - The Capitol is seen as water sprinklers soak the National Mall on a hot summer morning in Washington, July 15, 2022. A new poll finds that most Americans share many core values on what it means to be an American despite the country’s deep political polarization. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 9 in 10 U.S. adults say the right to vote, the right to equal protection under the law and the right to privacy are important or very important to the U.S.’s identity as a nation.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite the country’s deep political polarization, most Americans share many core beliefs about what it means to be an American, according to a new poll.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 9 in 10 U.S. adults say the right to vote, the right to equal protection under the law and the right to privacy are extremely important or very important to the United States’ identity as a nation. The survey also found that 84% feel the same way about the freedom of religion.

The results, which included perspectives on a number of different freedoms and rights, have only small variances between Republicans and Democrats except on the right to bear arms, which Republicans are more likely to see as core to the nation’s identity. The overall findings are striking because they come at a time of extreme partisanship when political agreements seem rare and concerns are heightened over the potential for violence during a volatile presidential election year.

“If you get a bunch of normal people at random and put them in a room together and chat about issues, there’s a lot more convergence than you might imagine,” said Michael Albertus, a political science professor at the University of Chicago.

FILE - President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 7, 2023. A poll shows that a growing share of U.S. adults doubt that 81-year-old President Joe Biden has the memory and acuity for the job. That means Biden's upcoming State of the Union address could be something of a real-time audition as he bids for a second term. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

A more pessimistic assessment of the country was reflected in another finding — that only about 3 in 10 Americans believe the nation’s democracy is functioning well. About half say the U.S. is a poorly functioning democracy, while 14% say the U.S. is not a democracy.

The tension between the broad consensus on the country’s fundamental values and discontent with how well its form of government is working is not a surprise, experts say.

“Part of it is really our leaders are not reflecting the electorate, and they behave in a way that’s much more polarized than what the electorate is,” said Lilliana Mason, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins University.

Most Americans, she said, “are pretty moderate, but they’ve been riled up to hate people of the other party for being different from them culturally, racially and religiously.”

The AP-NORC poll also found broad agreement on the importance of some key values for the U.S.’s identity as a country. About three-quarters of U.S. adults agree that a democratically elected government is extremely or very important, and about 8 in 10 think the same about the ability of people living in the U.S. to get good jobs and achieve the American dream.

But what achieving that dream means — and which values are most fundamental to American culture — isn’t something all Americans agree on.

Democrats are more likely than Republicans — 71% to 38% — to believe that the ability to come to the U.S. from elsewhere in the world to escape violence or find economic opportunities is core to the country’s identity. A majority of Republicans, 58%, think a culture grounded in Christian values and beliefs is an essential characteristic, compared to only 18% of Democrats.

Juan Sierra, 51, a naturalized citizen whose family immigrated from the Dominican Republic after a hurricane destroyed his father’s cement business, said it is very important to him that the U.S. be seen as a place of opportunity.

The Capitol is seen as water sprinklers soak the National Mall on a hot summer morning in Washington, July 15, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The industrial technician in Port St. Lucie, Florida, said he believes democracy is working and will continue to do so “as long as there are good people in government.”

Sierra also said it was extremely important that people have freedom of religion, although he had concerns over the nation’s identity being tied to Christianity.

“We’re seeing what happens right now when laws are passed and decisions are made based on someone’s religion,” he said, citing the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in February that frozen embryos can be considered children and be afforded legal protections, a decision that temporarily halted IVF procedures in the state.

Susan Johnson, a 76-year-old Republican living in the Dallas suburbs, said the nation’s standing as a beacon to others who need refuge is very important, but said that could not override concerns about border security.

“We need people working,” she said. “We just need them to come the right way.”

Johnson also said she believes it’s extremely important that the nation’s identity be grounded in spirituality.

“Whether or not you’re Mormon or a Muslim or a Christian, they just have to have some higher power to reach up to,” she said. “The country is going to fall apart if we don’t believe in God.”

The poll found few divisions on democracy as a system in theory, but it identified one notable gap: younger Americans between the ages of 18 to 29 were less likely than those 60 and older to say the U.S. is a well-functioning democracy. They’re also less likely than older Americans to believe that some characteristics are essential to the U.S.’s character as a nation, including having a democratically elected government. About 6 in 10 younger adults see this as important, compared to about 9 in 10 older adults.

Palakjot Singh, a 21-year-old college student in Fresno, California, identified himself as a Republican and said he had a better quality of life when Donald Trump was president. He said the U.S. is not a well-functioning democracy in part because people are not open to debating different points of view compared to previous generations.

“There is not good communication,” he said. “Nobody is sitting together trying to get to one point.”

Howard Lavine, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota, said the generational split is understandable. Many younger people don’t remember a time when those with opposing views and from different political backgrounds could get together and “come over to your house.” Their frame of reference is the hyper partisanship of the Trump years, he said.

Joe Lagle, 55, a retired Air Force veteran in Colorado Springs who said he has not voted for either President Joe Biden or Trump, said the nation’s various rights are “all important” but believes they are being eroded by intolerance and well-meaning but shortsighted people.

Mike Maloy, 41, an engineer in Greensboro, North Carolina, said having those rights and freedoms “doesn’t necessarily mean the U.S. is a functioning democracy.”

“Everything is run by a handful of people and their corporations,” he said. “That’s not a democracy.”

A Democrat, Maloy cited as an example this year’s presidential primary in North Carolina, when Biden was the lone candidate on the ballot. He called that “frustrating” and said the result was that voters “had no choice.”

The poll of 1,282 adults was conducted March 21-25, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

Associated Press polling writer Linley Sanders contributed to this report.

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here . The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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