E-mail: jbender@sc.edu

Office:
Phone: 803.777.3320
Fax: 803.777.4103
Room: Coliseum 4009B and Room 410 Law School

Law School Office Hours:
Wednesday 9:30 - noon

Coliseum Office Hours:
Friday 9:30 - noon
Other times by appointment

Fall 2009 Syllabi:

Jay Bender
Reid H. Montgomery Freedom of Information Chair

B.A. Univ. of South Carolina
J.D. Univ. of South Carolina

Jay Bender joined the faculty full time in 2006 after having taught as an adjunct periodically for 20 years. Bender is also a member of the faculty of the University's Law School.

Bender has represented the South Carolina Press Association and many of its member newspapers since 1980. During that time he has played a leading role in suits that have increased protection against libel and invasion of privacy claims, provided greater access to courtrooms and court records, and expanded the reach of the state's Freedom of Information Act. As a lobbyist Bender was involved in the passage of the South Carolina Reporter's Shield Law and amendments to the Freedom of Information Act. Bender also represents the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.

Bender has written two books on South Carolina media law and numerous articles on free press and open government issues. Bender is a member of the Task Force on Electronic Access to Court Records established by Chief Justice Jean Toal of the South Carolina Supreme Court, and lectures frequently to press and government groups.

Lest you think Bender limits his life to work, you should know that he has in the not too distant past retired from motorcycle racing, but continues to ride as illustrated by his corner to corner ride from Key West, Florida to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and back in 2004.

In 2007 Bender completed the Southern California Motorcycle
Association's Four Corners ride with stops at Key West, San Ysidro, Cal., Bellingham, Wash. and Madawaska, Me. His blog of the trip is at whereisbender.blogspot.com.He claims to have more rational hobbies that include backpacking and golf.