units

LAW5325

Faculty of Law

18 September 2017 22 December 2024
Monash University

Postgraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

LevelPostgraduate
FacultyFaculty of Law
OfferedNot offered in 2015

Notes

For postgraduate Law discontinuation dates, please see http://www.law.monash.edu.au/current-students/postgraduate/pg-disc-dates.html
For postgraduate Law unit timetables, please see http://law.monash.edu.au/current-students/course-unit-information/timetables/postgraduate/index.html
Previously coded as LAW7140

Quota applies

Postgraduate programs are based on a model of small group teaching and therefore class sizes need to be restricted.

Synopsis

This unit comprises a detailed study of Australia's current defamation laws, which consist of the uniform defamation legislation enacted by each State and Territory and the continued operation of relevant common law principles. In addition to identifying and analysing the elements of the cause of action, the operation of defences and remedies, the unit will consider how defamation trials are conducted from the perspective of both plaintiffs and defendants, including pleadings, choice of law principles which apply when defamatory matter is published across multiple jurisdictions and mode of trial. The unit will also offer some comparative analysis of corresponding principles in other jurisdictions (particularly the United Kingdom), explore the application of defamation laws to new media, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives to defamation law. The unit will constantly reflect on whether Australia's defamation laws satisfactorily balance freedom of speech and the right to reputation.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  • apply knowledge and understanding of recent developments in relation to, Australian defamation law with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning;
  • investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to defamation law;
  • conduct research in defamation law based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods; and
  • use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to defamation law.

Assessment

One research assignment (3750 words): 50%
One take-home examination (3750 words): 50%

Workload requirements

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)