In reporting on many important issues, journalists are frequently required to understand key legal questions and called upon to describe accurately the developments in sometimes complex legal proceedings. Unfortunately, lawyers and judges involved in the case are not always available or willing to provide the necessary information needed by members of the media, allowing them to fully understand or explain the significance of certain legal aspects in a story they are covering. That’s where the Media Law School can help.
Media Law School, hosted by the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications in cooperation with the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, and sponsored by the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American Board of Trial Advocates Foundation, provides selected journalists with the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the key stages of civil and criminal proceedings and to learn enough basic law to report accurately on many important issues in the news.
Approximately 30 journalists selected as Media Law School Fellows will visit the University of South Carolina campus from March 13-16, 2024, for instruction from law professors, lawyers and judges on various aspects of the law and the legal system, to help them in their reporting on these issues.
Best of all, Fellows can receive this training at little to no cost. There is no registration fee, and Fellows receive a $500 travel allowance and three nights hotel lodging within walking distance of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, where the instruction sessions will be held.
Fellowship applications for Media Law School 2024 are due Feb. 1, 2024. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Applicants selected to receive fellowships will be notified by email. If you have questions in the meantime, please email Dr. Carmen Maye at medialaw@law.sc.edu.