100-223 Media Law

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications) and BA (Media and Communications/Bachelor of Commerce. Students who have completed 730-348 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject is not available to students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Laws combined degree.

Completion of 25 points of core Media and Communications subjects and 25 points of optional Media and Communications subjects at first year.

This subject introduces students to the main areas of law affecting people working in the media. These include copyright; privacy; laws restricting speech, such as defamation, censorship, and vilification; laws affecting advertisers; freedom of information; and the ethical codes applying to journalists and others. The course emphasises practicality and problem-solving. The focus is on Australian laws but international comparisons will be drawn.

• be able to present information and arguments clearly and concisely to an audience and in writing;

• be able to analyse an issue from the perspective of stakeholders whose interests they may not share or endorse;

• be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.

Copyright and defamation problem of 2000 words 50% (due week 8), joint tutorial presentation and supporting paper of 800 words 20% (due during semester), opinion piece of 1200 words (800 word article and 400 word summary of references) 20% (due week 12) and tutorial participation 10%. Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.

• M Pearson, The Journalist's Guide to Media Law: Dealing with Legal and Ethical Issues. Allen and Unwin 2004.