LAW4140

Liability for tortious communications 406

(LAW)

Not offered in 2001

Professor F Trindade

6 credit points + Three 1-hour lectures per week + Clayton

Synopsis: Two major restraints on freedom of speech are the law of defamation and the action for breach of confidence. This subject involves a study of these two restraints. The High Court of Australia has recently considered, in several cases, the balance between freedom of speech and protection of reputation. This consideration may well signal a shift towards a uniform law of defamation in Australia. These matters and the reform of the law of defamation will be examined in this subject.

Assessment: Written research assignment (2500-3000 words) or class test: 30% + Final written examination (3 hours): 70%