3. Able to explain the importance of journalism in the United States
Journalism is important in the United States because it provides society with a forum for criticism and compromise. It gives the people in our society a voice and allows them to stay informed. It plays a vital role in our democratic society. Below you will find examples of previous work I’ve done that highlights the historical and legal significance of the First Amendment, the importance of journalism as society’s watchdog, and the rights and responsibilities of journalists.
My first piece of evidence is a project created for a Media Law for Journalists course. The goal was to create a slideshow presentation of a case discussing an issue that violated the First Amendment. I chose to research on and present, the West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, case in which The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 14, 1943, that compelling children in public schools to salute the U.S. flag was an unconstitutional violation of their freedom of speech and religion.
My second piece of evidence is a final paper discussing the First Amendment and the dangers that journalists face under Supreme Court Justice and President Trump’s threat, to kick libel law back to the states.
My third piece of evidence is a journalism essay assignment written my freshman year of college, about the importance of journalism in today’s society.
My last piece of evidence for this outcome is an essay highlighting the problems that can come from “Secrecy in Government”.
All of these examples spotlight the historical and legal significance of the First Amendment, the importance of journalism as society’s watchdog, and the rights and responsibilities of journalists.