MJO28003 - Law, Ethics and Regulation

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the English legal system, its structure, processes and principles
2 Operate as a journalist within the requirements of the law as these affect public reportage
3 Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of the European Human Rights Act insofar as this conditions journalist practice in the United Kingdom.
4 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of case law, appeal court judgments and other authorities in defining the application of law conditioning reportage
5 Demonstrate proficiency in the structuring and presentation of articulate and coherent analyses of a range of legally problematic reporting situations

Content:

The structure, workings and inter-relationships of Magistrates Court, Crown Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the House of Lords, the European Court of Justice. The role of case law, appeal court judgment and Law Lords in articulating and refining legal concepts.
The principles of English law.
Media-relevant law such as defamation, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, electoral law, copyright, absolute and qualified privilege, freedom of information, the Official Secrets Act, and other relevant legislation.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures and tutorials supported by individual private study. Attendance at no less than one session each of Crown Court, Magistrates Court and Coroner’s Court.

Lectures
Contact hours: 44
Number of Groups: 1

Tutorials
Contact hours: 6
Number of groups: 6

Court Visits
Contact hours: 6
Number of Groups: 6

Assessment:

001 Law tutorials reflective report 1 x 500 words 10%
002 Unseen Paper 1 x 2.5 hours 50%
003 Essay 1 x 3000 words 40%


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