LAW4140

Liability for tortious communications 406 (6 points)

(LAW)

Leader: Mrs Sharon Rodrick

Offered:
Not offered in 2004.

Synopsis:

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should (1) acquire a good understanding of the balance which the law attempts to achieve between freedom of speech and the protection of reputation; (2) be in a position to examine statements both oral and written and advise whether those statements, when published, are likely to be considered defamatory by the courts; (3) be in a position to advise a person who has been defamed in relation to the remedies available; (4) be able to advise on the liability of a person who wrongfully uses confidential personal information or discloses it to a third party; and (5) be able to examine the legal content conveyed in this course through different perspectives and in particular form a view on whether the laws of defamation and confidentiality of information adequately reflect the changing needs of our contemporary multicultural society.

Assessment: Written research assignment (2500 words): 35% + Final written examination (2 hours plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 65% OR Final written examination (3 hours plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 100%

Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures per week

Prerequisites: LAW1100 Legal Process