Law and the Media
Overview
This unit explains laws regulating and enabling speech and publication including those about defamation; racial, religious and other forms of discrimination and vilification; classifying and moderating media content; social media platforms terms of use; employment law; court reporting and contempt; radiofrequency spectrum management. This unit also demonstrates ways of understanding media law problems from different perspectives, including a business perspective. Students will also understand a rapidly changing and increasingly important field of law through a focus on topical issues.
Requisites
09-February-2025
01-June-2025
05-October-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate the laws regulating and enabling speech and publication in terms of their impact on the media
- Assess when and how to publish contentious material
- Describe and assess the constraints imposed on the media in reporting
- Research and apply aspects of media law to effectively advise clients on the publication of media material
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class |
3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Lecture (asynchronous) |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Various |
8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 11.50 | 12 weeks | 138 |
| Live Online Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assignment | Individual | 50 - 70% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 30 - 50% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
- Freedom of Expression and the Media
- Media and the Courts: Open Justice and Contemp
- Defamation: The Law of Reputation
- The Media and Parliament: Parliamentary Privileges and Contempt
- Offensive Publications
- Regulation of the Broadcast Media
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.