Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Co-sponsored by the Center for Citizen Media and the Berkman Center’s Clinical Program in Cyberlaw, the Citizen Media Law Project (CMLP) is a new organization aimed at providing legal training and resources for individuals and organizations involved in citizen media.

Some of the things we are working on include:

Legal guide for citizen media and legal threats database

The CMLP is creating a legal guide that will cover a range of topics relevant to citizen journalists. It also seeks to address legal subjects relevant to citizen media such as risks associated with online publication, including discussion of defamation and privacy torts; legal issues related to newsgathering; intellectual property issues; and special risks associated with covering elections.

Legal and journalism education

The CMLP is currently working with the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism to provide legal expertise for the creation of an interactive online legal guide to teach citizen journalists their legal rights and responsibilities.

Litigation referrals, consultation, and representation

Lawyers and clinical law students at the CMLP will provide legal advice to individuals and organizations that operate citizen media sites.

Advocacy and coalition building

The CMLP provides research and advocacy on free speech, newsgathering, intellectual property, and other legal issues related to citizen media. One of our first projects is to cultivate support for a federal shield bill.