Potential Final Exam Cases

• The chancellor of the University of Indiana Southeast fires the editor of the school’s newspaper, The Vorison, after the newspaper prints a front-page story that uses the words “vagina” and “penis” prominently. The chancellor said the story was offensive, does not represent the product of a first-class university and did not support the mission of the university. The staff is comprised of members of a journalism class — Newspaper Writing Laboratory. The editors are not part of the journalism class and are paid a stipend. The editors are chosen by the newspaper’s faculty adviser. The chancellor also said he needed to punish the newspaper, especially since a group of 8th-grade students were on campus the day the newspaper was released. The editor sues the university. Support the editor’s case.

• The Indiana Legislature has passed a new law requiring casinos not to advertise near schools, churches or playgrounds. The legislature passed this law in hopes of keeping children from the lure of gambling. The casinos in the state file a suit against the state. Argue for the casinos.

• A billboard for Hard Hat Harry’s Condoms appeared along I-65 in Southern Indiana . The billboard showed two nude men in an embrace. The rear of one man is clearly visible. Most of the front of the other man is visible, including part of his condom-covered penis. The condom is Safety Orange in color, a trademark of Hard Hat Harry’s Condoms. The headline says, “Be Safe.” The Citizens for Decency brings a case against Hard Hat Harry’s Condom for obscenity. Argue in favor of Hard Hat Harry’s.

• Parents of a pregnant teen ask you not to print a story about a lawsuit where they are suing the chaperones of a party where they claim their daughter got pregnant. Do you? Argue this case using the Potter's Box and the principles of Aristotle.

• Regardless of the actual outcome of the indecency case against CBS/Viacom for their 2004 Superbowl halftime show with Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction, defend Viacom.

• What could have the FCC done to punish CBS/Viacom?