Law and Journalism (P02806)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : LAW-P-P02243

This course considers how law can both empower and restrict editors and journalists in carrying out their reporting and creative activities. It explores the role and responsibilities of journalists in the changing media environment and the impact of human rights on the content of the print, broadcast and electronic media. Although the focus of the course will be on the UK, a comparative approach will be adopted, with students encouraged to consider how the various issues raised in the course would be addressed in their own jurisdictions.

? Keywords : Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Information, Media Responsibility, Privacy, Defamation

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : None

? Co-requisites : None

? Prohibited combinations : None

? Costs : None

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Law, (School of Law, Schedule F)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
14/01/2009	09:00	10:50	Moot Court Room, Old College	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Wednesday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will:
- have gained an understanding of the various sources of law that shape the activities of journalists;
- have developed research skills in this specialised field, gaining a sound understanding of where to find both legal and non-legal materials relating to the activities of journalists;
- be able to critically evaluate and synthesise the materials they have found;
- have gained an appreciation of law in its social and political context;
- have developed written and oral skills, including the clear and succint expression of ideas