Media and Communication: Policy and Law Research Guide
NTC's Mass Media Dictionary ([X] P87.5 .E45 1990) defines communication policy as "the existing and proposed laws, regulations, and plans for the technological, economic, and social development of the means of communication." This guide is designed to help you research topics of communication law and policy.
Begin by researching the issues and continue by understanding the legal structure supporting the issues.
Background Information
Books
Articles
Legal Information
Background Information
Media and Communications Law is a large topic. Begin with reference sources for background information about a topic. Reference books can help a researcher understand terms, ideas and key concepts. Then move on to books and articles which focus on specific topics and issues.
The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law
Communications Law and Practice [X] KF2765 .H36 1995
The First Amendment and the Fifth Estate: Regulation of Electronic Mass Media [X] KF2805 .C37 2003
The First Amendment and the Fourth Estate: The Law of Mass Media [X] KF2750.A7 F73 2001
Modern Communication Law [X] KF2765 .M63 1999
The Telecommunications Act of 1996: Law & Legislative History [X] KF2762.115 .A15 1996
Telecommunications Regulation: Cable, Broadcasting, Satellite and the Internet [X] KF2844 .F47 1998
Webster's New World Dictionary of Media and Communications [X] P87.5 .W45 1996
Books
Below are some suggested subject searches for books in the Library. Be sure to try additional keyword or subject searches in the Library Catalog.
Articles
Articles and books are important for developing a historical, political, and social understanding of your topic. All of the databases listed below are available from the Articles and More page on the Library's website.
Academic Search Premier
Interdisciplinary database covering communication, social sciences, business, current affairs. Includes selected full-text.ComAbstracts
Abstracts of more than 40 core communication journals.Expanded Academic Index
Interdisciplinary database covering communication, social sciences, business and current affairs. Some full-text articles, dating back to 1980.LexisNexis Academic
Newspaper articles, wire services, legal, broadcast, and business news. Use the "Legal Research" section for legal news and law reviews.
Legal Information
Law is established in three different ways: Legislation, Regulation, and Case Law.
Legislation
The process of making and enacting laws by a branch of government. In the United States, Congress makes many of the laws associated with media and communications.
Congressional Quarterly Almanac. [X] JK1001. C7
A complete and detailed summary of all legislative action in each session of Congress. Most FCC and FTC action is contained in the chapter "Transportation Commerce Consumers." Updates to the annual volume can be found in Congressional Quarterly Weekly Reporter, available online.LexisNexis Academic
"Legal Research" includes the federal code and state codes (the statutory laws) under the subheading "Codes & Regulations."Thomas
The Legislative information server of Congress. This site includes a database of bills searchable by bill number, word or phrase for each session of Congress. For browsability, try the CQ Almanac.
Regulation
The rules and orders, having legal force, issued by an administrative agency. Media and communications issues often fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission.
FCC Record (Periodical Collection, 1965-2002, Microfilm Collection, 1999-2002)
All decisions, reports, public notices, and other documents pertaining to the FCC are compiled in this publication. Volumes from 1965 through 1989 are in recallable offsite storage. Access is also available through the FCC website.Federal Communications Commission
Searchable database of FCC documents, including an "Initiatives" section of current issues and FCC headlines. You can also read a daily digest of news and press releases.
Case Law
The collection of reported cases that form the body of law within a given jurisdiction. Our legal system, like our government as a whole, operates under a system of checks and balances. Any legislation or regulation can be challenged by a legal case. Legislation and regulations can be overturned by decisions of the Supreme Court.
Media Law Reporter. [X] KF2750.A7 B8
Media Law Reporter provides access to the texts of all major Supreme Court, Appeals Court, State Court, and regional and administrative decisions on media law. Check the Library's printed guide to using the MLR.The Supreme Court Yearbook [X] KF8741. A152 S87
Provides an overview of the past year in court, including case summaries, opinion excerpts and a preview of the upcoming year. The Library has volumes covering 1989-90 through 1998-99.Legal Information Institute
Database of current and historical cases. Click on "Law About…" for an in-depth list of online sources in your area.LexisNexis Academic
Click on "Legal Research," then "Get a Case" for the full text of Federal and State cases, searchable by party names or citation.
