LAW 793 - Telecommunications Law and Policy

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Careers in telecommunications and information technology law require interdisciplinary skills, including the ability to integrate an understanding of the statutory and case law with knowledge about the role of the policy making process in shaping regulatory decision making. This course will provide a foundational understanding of the governing law, including important agency rules and court decisions, and review the role of agencies including the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Department of Commerce in establishing the legal and policy environment that shapes the evolution of telecommunications technology. Covered topics will include broadcasting, cable, wireless communications and emerging topics such as privacy, cybersecurity, and network neutrality. Course grades will be determined by class participation, a mid-term exam, and a final written project. The written project will require students to prepare comments related to an actual regulatory proceeding with guidance from course instructors. The written project will be suitable for use as a professional writing sample. Prerequisite: While Administrative Law is a recommended course, students that have not taken Administrative Law are still welcome in the course and may benefit from reviewing selected additional readings placed on reserve in order to obtain important background knowledge.