JOU7043 - Law, Ethics and Regulation

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the English legal system, its structure, processes and principles.
Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the issues around ethical practice and the regulatory framework in which the UK news media works.
Operate as a journalist within the requirements of the law and regulatory systems
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of case law, appeal court judgements and other authorities in defining the application of the law relevant to the news media.
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 UK courts, and the European Court of Justice, together with all relevant regulatory codes and issues of ethical standards in the performance of journalism on all platforms.

The role of case law, appeal court judgements and the Law Lords in articulating and refining legal concepts; the principles of English Law; news 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.

Broadcast and regulatory codes, such as Ofcom, IPSO and BBC editorial guidelines.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module is taught via a series of interactive lectures plus court visits and guided independent study.

Lectures
Hours: 44
Group size: Cohort + BA students

Court visits
Hours: 8
Group size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 248

Assessment:

001 Broadcast regulation test; 30 minutes; end of semester 1 10%
002 Unseen paper (NCTJ Essential Media Law Exam); 2.5 Hours; end of semester 1 50%
003 Court visit; Pass/Fail; end of semester 1 0%
004 Court report; 250 words; end of semester 1 10%
005 Ethics Essay; 2,500 words; end of semester 2 30%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nigel Green
Level - 7
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGYL

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