306495 (v.1) Media Law 501

Area:

Department of Media and Information

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Lecture:

1 x 1 Hours Weekly

Seminar:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Examination of key areas of publication law. Laws impacting on the freedom of expression, in particular the law of defamation, confidentiality, privacy, coverage of court and parliament, copyright and other laws having a censoring effect on publication. The focus will be on identifying the limits on expression in the print and broadcast media.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- A knowledge and understanding of the law relevant to publication. Knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the law which has aroused debate and reform interest. An ability to think and writecarefully about the impact of the law on publication. An ability to practice in journalism mindful of the law governing publication.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Alberstat, P., Cassels, T. and Overs, E. (2002), Law and the Media (fourth edition). Oxford, Focal Press Robertson, G., (QC) and Nicol, A. (QC) (2002), Media Law (fourth edition). London, Penguin. Pember, R. (1999), Mass Media Law. Boston, McGraw-HillCollege. Barendt, E. and Hitchens, L. (2000), Media Law Cases and Materials. London, Longman. The Law Reform Commission of Australia. (1979), Unfair Publication: Defamation and Privacy, Report No 11. Canberra, Australian Government Printing Service. Campbell, T. and Sadurski, W. (eds) (1994), Freedom of Communication. Sydney, Dartmouth. Barendt, E., Lustgarten, L., Norrie, K. and Stephenson, H. (1997), Libel and the Media: The Chilling Effect. Oxford, Clarendon Press. O'Malley, T. and Soley, C. (2000), Regulating the Press. London, Pluto Press. Pearson, M. (1997), The journalist's guide to media law. Sydney, Allen and Unwin. The Courts and the Media, (1999). University of Technology Sydney Law Review No. 1. Armstrong, M., Lindsay, D., and Watterson, R. (1995), Media Law in Australia (third edition), Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Carvan, J. (1999), Understanding the Australian Legal System. Pyrmont, LBC Information Services.

Unit Texts:

Walker, S. (2000), Media Law: Commentary and Materials (first edition). Prymont, LBC Information Services. Butler, D. and Roderick, S. (1999), Australian Media Law. Pyrmont, LBC Information Services. Overbeck, W. (2003), Major Principles of Media Law.South Melbourne, Nelson Thompson Learning. Gillooly, M. (1999), The Law of Defamation in Australia and New Zealand . Leichardt, Federation Press. Holsinger, R. and Dilts, J.P. (1997), Media Law (fourth edition). Sydney, McGraw Hill.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Individual presentation 30%, Research paper 40%, Team Presentation 30%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y