Dr. Michele Meitl Q&A

Teaching in the MLA since:				2020
Specialty/Area of Research:				Constitutional Law Criminal Law
MLA Courses Taught:				Freedom of Speech

 

 

 

 

 

How many years have you been teaching in the MLA program and what class or classes have you taught?

I have been teaching in the MLA program for four years. I teach Freedom of Speech.

 

Tell us a little bit about your specialty or area of research?

I teach and research in the several areas of the law, including constitutional law and criminal law.

 

How does your background inform your teaching and scholarship?

I am a JD/PhD. My schooling and experience as an attorney coupled with my MA and PhD in Criminology & Criminal Justice inform my teaching and scholarship.

 

How do you try to make the material in your class engaging considering most students complete their MLA degree 100% online?

I include a variety of ways to learn and engage with the material. Students look at hypothetical examples, read current events, listen to oral arguments and podcasts, view short clips, and engage with each other and me through discussion.

 

What do you hope students walk away from your class having learned or gained?

Freedom of speech is ever evolving. Even though it is in the First Amendment, how society and the courts’ view freedom of speech changes. Social media, times of war, and even the make-up of the USSC (United States Sentencing Commission) are just some of the things that can influence First Amendment jurisprudence.