LAW5446 - Comparative media law - 2018

This unit investigates four main topics from a United Kingdom, European, Australian and, to a lesser extent, a United States' perspective. The first topic is media regulation, which covers the rationales for differing regulation of broadcasting, the press and private speech and the reasons for mass media law. The second topic focuses on defamation and freedom of speech, including political, commercial and religious speech and obscenity. The third topic deals with privacy and the press. The final topic investigates some advanced issues, including broadcasting regulation, the Internet and its relationship to privacy and freedom of expression, and media pluralism. Particular attention will be paid throughout the course to the Leveson, Finkelstein and Convergence Inquiries.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• demonstrate a deep understanding of the competing philosophical perspectives on the application of law to mass media across a number of jurisdictions;
• investigate, analyse and synthesise complex theories, concepts, information and problems in relation to media law from a comparative perspective;
• demonstrate an applied knowledge of: the concept of mass media, the solution to liability concerns for different categories of publishers and authors, and the comparative enforcement of laws pertaining to defamation and privacy;
• conduct research in media law based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods; and
• use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to media law.

One research assignment (3,750 words): 50%

One take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

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