HOW TO WRITE THE CASE STUDY

Case Study: Each student will be assigned a key media law case to research and present to the class. In many instances, the basics of the case may be found in the text. Other resources should be included. Expected is an in-depth study of the case including the background of the case, the path of the case through the legal system, and the significance of the decision for media practitioners. Due dates will assigned through the semester, as the case study will be due at the time that we are covering that area in class. This should be submitted double-spaced with appropriate citations to the drop box on Canvas. An expected length would be 5 to 7 pages, not including the bibliography. The student also posts the report on the discussion board. This assignment may not be turned in late. The paper must be uploaded to the drop box on Canvas when your deadline comes up. Once on the discussion board, other students will read and post comments as required. The author should respond to the comments with appropriate replies.

Overview: A case study should contain the following areas:

• a description of the facts
• a statement of the issue or problem posed by the case
• a reference to the arguments or various positions that can be taken on the issue
• a decision or a result on the issue presented
• an explanation of the reasoning behind the decision

Description of the Facts

In this, one lists the title of the case, plaintiffs, defendants, the court of jurisdiction, date, and other pertinent information that describes the basic facts of the case. One should briefly describe what the complaint or appeal was.

A Statement of the Issue or Problem Posed by the Case

Describe in paragraph form the general idea behind the complaint/appeal in terms of what caused it, what specific law or principle was being violated or at issue. If more than one law or principle is at issue, then describe each one in terms of the case. A little bit of history can be added here in terms of what created the situation which caused the suit or case. Do not discuss the results of the case here.

Reference to the Arguments or Various Positions Taken on the Issue

Describe what each side argued in this case and what principles they brought up to help their argument. What defenses were used? What laws, amendments, court cases were mentioned to strengthen their arguments.

The Decision or Results of the Issue/Case Presented

Briefly describe the results of the case. You don't have to go into the reason for the decision as that is discussed next. You would include how many judges decided one way or the other.

Explanation of the Reasoning Behind the Decision

What did the judge or judges say about their decisions? Were their concurring opinions? Where their dissenting opinions? What was the basis for the judgment? What principles or laws were used to determine the judgment? You may also discuss here the ramifications of the decision since this case. Has it been overturned? Has their been much discussion or criticism of this case? Were there any laws created because of the decision in this case?

Overall:

1. The paper is to be 5 to 7 pages, double-spaced, with citations using APA or MLA. If you prefer Turabian/footnotes, that is okay also. Please be consistent with whatever format you use.

2. Paper is to be uploaded to the Canvas dropbox on the day scheduled by 5 PM. Post a copy on the Discussion Board for Case Studies for the class to read by the same deadline. Please reply to as many comments you can from other students. The class has until Sunday at midnight to make postings/comments on the discussion board.

4. You may use one of the cases listed on the case study schedule. If you find another case that is related to your subject, contact Dr. Pace for approval to use it.