Education

A.B., American Culture, Vassar College
M.A., Communications, Syracuse University
J.D., Law, Syracuse University
Ph.D., Mass Communications, Louisiana State University

Research

The rapid adoption and morphing of social and other new media presents a challenge to the law, which is not good at adapting to new technologies. Dr. Eric Robinson's research focuses on the impact that social and new media have on the courts, juries, and the legal system. He has also worked on other legal issues involving the media, including legal recognition of a privilege for academics akin to the reporter's privilege and use of public opinion polls as evidence in defamation cases.

Teaching

Media law is daunting to many students. In teaching media law and ethics, Robinson eases this anxiety by showing how legal and ethical principles apply to students’ work in media, be it journalism, social media, advertising, strategic communications, or political communications. His practical experience as a media law attorney also allows him to discuss “real-world” issues that students may face in their careers. Each legal case is a story, involving real people. By examining these real-life situations, students can learn from the mistakes of others — and not repeat these errors in their professional work.

Publications

Robinson, E. and Hill, M. (2020), The Trouble with True Threats, University of Baltimore Journal of Media Law & Ethics 8:2, 37-67.

Robinson, E. and Zhu, Y. (2020). Beyond “I Agree”: Users’ Understanding of Web Site Terms of Service, Social Media + Society. DOI:10.1177/2056305119897321.

Robinson, E. (2018). Reckless Disregard: St. Amant v. Thompson and the Transformation of Libel Law. Baton Rouge, La.: LSU Press.

Robinson, E. and Lambert, M. (2017), Internet Law Essentials: U.S. Social Media Law, Specialty Technical Publishers.

Coyle, E. & Robinson, E. (2017). Chilling Journalism: Can Newsgathering be Harassment or Stalking?, Communications Law and Policy, 22:1, 65-122, DOI:10.1080/10811680.2017.1250571

Robinson, E. (2016). Crossing Boundaries: National Efforts to Apply Media Law Across Borders, Chung-Ang Journal of Legal Studies 30:53-117.

Robinson, E. (2016). No Confidence: Confidentiality, Ethics and the Law of Academic Privilege, Communications Law and Policy 21:323. 

Service

Of Counsel, Fenno Law Firm, LLC, Charleston / Mount Pleasant, SC

Lead contributor and editorial reviewer, Internet Law: The Complete Guide, Specialty Technical Publishers.

Media law columnist, South Carolina Press Association.

Member, Newsgathering Committee, Media Law Resource Center.

Faculty Affiliate, University of South Carolina Rule of Law Collective