Overview

The media plays a vital role within society, acting as the eyes, ears and tongue of our democracy. With legal concepts such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press, the media can ensure that the public remains informed without government interference. However, it is not always sunshine and rainbows as limitations are often imposed on the media which can lead to common controversy and judicial debates.

This module introduces and examines some of the core principles of media law, including privacy, defamation, court reporting restrictions, and digital difficulties surrounding social media law. Students will explore controversial issues, participate in legal debate surrounding current case law and recent events. Assessment will be two-fold; formative coursework a 3,000 word essay and an end of the module written examination.

The module will allow students to study a range of issues within Media Law, including but not limited to:

• Introduction to Media Law and the concept of freedom of speech
• Models of government regulation of speech - England, Wales and the European Union
• Open Justice and Court Reporting
• Privacy Law in the United Kingdom and European Union
• Defamation
• Contempt of Court
• Journalism and the law
• Television Production and the law
• Social Media and the Law.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent: A- to A* (70+%) An outstanding answer containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. An answer which demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject.

Good: B- to B+ (60-69%) High Standard: A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject.

Threshold: C- to C+ (50-59%) An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

Lower Threshold: D- to D+ (40-49%) An answer which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately apply detailed knowledge of English & Welsh, and European Union Media Law to complex actual or hypothetical factual scenarios.

• Critically evaluate and discuss key debates in English & Welsh and European Union Media Law, and relate the principal characteristics of these laws to their political, social and cultural contexts.

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of, and be able to critically analyse differences between English & Welsh, and European Union Media Law, and the Media Law in other jurisdictions, for example the United States of America.

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding and appreciation of Media Law and recent developments in the area, in relation to the operation of both the press and broadcasting industries.

• Formulate original interpretations and arguments on topics relating to English & Welsh and European Union Media Law, including creating new links between relevant topics.