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Regulation of GMOs focus of Law Journal Symposium
Annual Media & the Law Seminar to focus on changing definition of media

 

Regulation of GMOs focus of Law Journal Symposium
Perhaps because food is such a basic part of our lives, few topics have sparked the kind of intense discussion and disagreement as that of genetically modified crops and foods. Questions about their safety and optimism regarding their ability to improve health and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture have framed the debate regarding their proper role.

The Journal of Law & Public Policy at the University of Kansas School of Law hosted a forum on the regulation, science and philosophy of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on Thursday, March 15.

Andrew Torrance, associate professor of law at KU, said this controversial topic sparked the kind of engaging discussion hoped for by the event’s organizers.

"GMOs, including genetically modified crops, have sparked more controversy than almost any other new technology,” he said. “Although society has demanded that the law ensure safe regulation of GMOs, this challenging task must be accomplished within a witches' brew of complex science, woeful ignorance, high anxiety and sky-high hopes.”

John Smolen, editor in chief of the journal, said the symposium achieved a good balance between the vastly different perspectives on this controversial issue. Read more.

 

Annual Media & the Law Seminar to focus
on changing definition of media
The 20th annual Media & the Law Seminar, “A Media Lawyer’s Guide to the Galaxy,” will bring together journalists and attorneys to explore the evolving definition of the term “media” and the legal implications for First Amendment protections in light of conglomeration and the increasingly blurring line between traditional and entertainment media. The event will be held Friday, May 4, in Kansas City, Mo., at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza.

Mike Kautsch, KU professor of law and a lead organizer of this event, is enthusiastic about this year’s topic.

“This year’s seminar, ‘A Media Lawyer’s Guide to the Galaxy,’ will focus on profound change in the mass media—much of it technologically driven—and the long-term effects of change on media law and practice,” he said.

He said KU law alumni have been actively involved in developing and carrying out the conference over the past 20 years. Read more.

 

Visit the School of Law Web site for more information.



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