Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Media Law
Module Code	CM322
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To familiarise students with the essential features of the legal system in Ireland, with particular reference to those aspects of media law that have a practical application in respect of journalism and media production.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise and assess the relevance of legal history to society, as well as of constitutional and other legal frameworks.
2. Recognise and assess legal risk associated with defamation, contempt of court, copyright and privacy.
3. Evaluate the relevance to society of Freedom of Information law.
4. Understand the need for sound legal practice in reporting and production.
5. Appraise and critique the regulatory framework for media and its relationship to ethical codes.
6. Update and deepen her/his knowledge through further research

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	11	Weekly lecture
Seminars	11	Weekly seminar
Library	80	Reading & research
Independent learning	94	Research
Assignment	54	Essay preparation
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The legal profession and the court system; civil and criminal court procedure; sources of law.
Legal history; The Common Law: Judge-made and statute law; Constitution of Ireland, in particular Article 40.6; Irish law in the international context: effect of European Union and Council of Europe membership; the courts; evidence..

Defamation.
Defamation Act 2009; truth and defamation. Defences: absolute and qualified privilege; fair comment on matters of public interest; apology and offer of amends; reform; comparison with other jurisdictions..

Contempt of court.
Restrictions prior to initiation of court proceedings; potential effect on right to fair trial, whether in civil or criminal case; the sub judice rule. Special rule for criminal proceedings: Criminal Procedure Act 1967 (as amended in 1999).

The journalists claim to confidentiality of sources.
Irish law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Proposals for reform..

Statutory regulation of broadcasting..
Broadcasting Act 2009..

Privacy..
Privacy Bill 2006 and subsequent developments..

Access to official documents.
Official Secrets Act 1963 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003..

Copyright.
Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000.

Data.
Data Protection & Freedom of Information.

Examination.
40%.

Continuous Assessment.
60%.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	Written responses	40%	n/a
Essay	n/a	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Yvonne Murphy & Donal McGuinness: 2011, Journalists and the Law, 3rd, Round Hall/Thompson Reuters, Dublin,
Eoin Carolan & Ailbhe O’Neill: 2010, Media Law in Ireland, Bloomsbury Professional, Dublin,
Marie McGonagle: 0, A Textbook on Media Law, 2nd ed., 2, Thomson Round Hall, 2003., Dublin,
0: Acts of the Oireachtas,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

CCS

BA in Contemporary Culture and Society

BA in Communication Studies

BA Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht

Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM322

Date of Last Revision

17-JAN-11

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