Defending the First

"Defending the First: Commentary on First Amendment Issues and Cases provides a collection of new perspectives on the First Amendment in legal and mass communication contexts. Editor Joseph Russomanno brings together a roster of major figures who have participated in the shaping of First Amendment law over the past 40 years. The contributors to this volume - all of whom have litigated cases before the U.S. Supreme Court - tell about their experiences at the highest court in the United States." "This work contributes to a deeper understanding of First Amendment issues and the types of expression that the First Amendment protects, and why the protection of these rights is important in a participatory and self-governing democracy. In addition, Defending the First provides readers with the unique perspective of those who have been on the front lines of some of the most important and influential cases in this era. The challenges of presenting an argument in this venue become clear, and it is evident that understanding one's own case, its lineage, and its likely impact all become part of the formula for success." "This distinctive collection provides personal and compelling insights into the making of mass communication law, and it will be engaging reading for students in mass communication law courses. It will also appeal to any reader interested in First Amendment law."--BOOK JACKET.