ODW2221 – First Amendment In A Global Pandemic

Course Materials: Webinar recording and a PDF of the PowerPoint slides.

Description: During the global pandemic we have seen unprecedented alterations to our First Amendment rights involving the practice of religion, free speech, and assembly, to name a few. Some governments have altogether shut down traditional and designated public forums. Some have taken steps to halt in-person assemblies of individuals to worship.  

• Understand the development of our First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech, petition, assembly, and religion; 
• Appreciate the complexities of the global pandemic affecting these constitutionally-protected freedoms; 
• Recognize that the First Amendment law changes and it is challenged by new realities, global issues, and emerging technologies;  
• Apply constitutional, case, and statutory law to First Amendment-related situations; and 
• Establish a foundation for debate to assist others in appreciating these Constitutional rights in this new age. 

Course Year: 2022

Presenter Biography: Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi, Esq., LL.M., has served for the past 21 years as Associate Professor and Founding Program Coordinator of Legal Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has been a lawyer for 37 years as a member of the Massachusetts and Florida bars. He possesses four degrees. In 2009, Dr. Diotalevi and Attorney William Statsky had a book published by Cengage Learning. It is entitled, “The Florida Paralegal.” Dr. Diotalevi’s works have been published in multiple journals. Dr. Diotalevi was a professional broadcaster for eight (8) years and held managerial positions in radio news and production. Dr. Diotalevi’s works have been published in SMU School of Law’s Computer Law Review and Technology Journal, The Paralegal Educator, The Journal of Paralegal Education and Practice, and The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. Dr. Diotalevi presents at national and regional law-related conferences as well as at various legal organizations around the country.