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Substantive Law Committee – Media & Communications Law

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Media & Communications Law

The committee is intended to provide Bar members a forum for sharing information about the law applicable to free speech and communications. The committee will explore topical legal issues pertaining to the full spectrum of communications methods, including print, broadcast, cable and emerging technologies. A second and equally important purpose of the committee is to promote better understanding between The Florida Bar and the news media, focusing attention upon mutual problems and developing amicable solutions to those problems.

Past Seminars

First Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court Seminar

A large crowd listens intently to the 2022 First Amendment seminar.Presented Friday, June 24, 2022

The Media and Communications Law Committee presented its annual First Amendment seminar at the 2022 Annual Florida Bar Convention in Orlando. The program examined the changing face of the U.S. Supreme Court and the court’s First Amendment docket, and discussed upcoming cases for the 2022 term.

Download Seminar Information Packet

Like, Share or Cancel: Social Media & The First Amendment

Recorded Thursday, April 14, 2022

Course #4680: 1st Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court

Recorded June 25, 2021

The seminar is approved for 2 hours of CLE credit.

Previous Seminar

Recorded June 19, 2020

Committee Activities

First Amendment Seminar

The committee plans the First Amendment Seminar that is typically held in conjunction with the Annual Convention.

The Reporters’ Handbook

Authored by the Media & Communications Law Committee, the Reporters’ Handbook serves as a resource guide for members of the media about topics in the legal profession.

The Reporters’ Workshop

Each fall, in most years, the committee presents a two-day, on-site event for print, TV, radio and online journalists new to the courts and legal beats or new to Florida.

Parker Thomson Awards for Outstanding Journalism

The committee presents the Parker Thomson Awards for Outstanding Legal Journalism in Florida to honor a longtime champion of the First Amendment and counsel to journalists.

Presentations found on committee pages are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace professional judgment. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the presenters individually and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion of The Florida Bar or its committees. The Florida Bar does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Any feedback should be provided to the event organizer.

Log in to the MyFloridaBar Members Portal to access your committee materials or contact Jennifer Krell Davis, staff liaison, 850-561-5670.