Diploma in Media Law
This course seeks to familiarise students with the basic concepts and structure of media law. Students will look at the various forms of media law today, concentrating on defamation, court reporting and copyright law as it exists in Ireland and the UK. It will further explore more specific issues in relation to awards in defamation cases, privacy and examine general contract principles as they underlie entertainment law. Programme Aims and Objectives This course falls into what is known as a private law stream. It’s aims are to enable students to develop an understanding of the legal and regulatory background to Irish and UK media law in its political, social and international context and to enable students to demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which publication in the media is affected by legal rules. Students will be able to apply gained legal knowledge to selected legal problems in this area and to draw reasoned conclusions that are supported by legal authority. Furthermore, on completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the common law’s development in relation to the media in the key areas as outlined above: namely defamation, contempt of court, freedom of expression and privacy. Programme Structure This course will be delivered by a qualified legal professional and provide an up to date and comprehensive survey of media law in Ireland.
Programme Content Freedom of Expression
The course will explore the common law beginnings of freedom of expression; trial by jury, the open justice principle, the rule against prior restraint and freedoms from governmental interference. In addition, an examination of the recent legal changes on the law of “blasphemy” and its effect on freedom of expression will be examined.
Privacy
This much underdeveloped area of law will examine both the Irish and English contexts to include an examination of malicious falsehood, harassment, press complaints commission and the right to respect for private and family life.
Defamation
This will encompass a review of the new Defamation Act 2009 – focusing on the revised elements, new defences, and the issue of lodgements and survival of actions.
Court Reporting
Here we will look at access to the courts, reporting restrictions, committal proceedings and the courts and the courts and television. Students will also examine official secrets and the protection of journalist sources.
Contempt of Court
Students for this section of the course will be exposed to strict liability contempt to include risk of prejudice, active proceedings and media defences as well as intentional contempt.
Copyright
This area of the course will look at the creation of a copyright work, literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works as well as authorship, infringements, performing and broadcasting and adapting.
Censorship Censorship laws in Ireland – past and present perspectives; censorship and constitutional rights in a modern republic such as impact on fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of thought etc; the necessity to censor? Censorship law – landmarks and reform. Broadcasting Here the age of convergence will be examined, the freedom to broadcast and finally codes of practice in this area and enforcing such codes will be examined. Entertainment Contract Law General principles of formation, discharge and restraint of trade/ exclusivity clauses will be reviewed. Assessment To be awarded the Diploma in Media Law, a student will be required to complete a written assignment (100%). Career Progression Opportunities Students who complete this course are positioned to fulfill a more rounded role for employers in the media. Participants will greatly enhance their knowledge and understanding of a dynamic subject area thereby optimising their employment potential in a fast paced and everchanging media environment. Student profile Typically, student participating on the programme have an employment or educational background several areas of the media and wish to enhance and develop their knowledge of a vital and fundamental area of modern media discourse. In addition, students of media law typically come from diverse backgrounds ranging from those with a personal interest in the area and indeed those with a professional interest in the area.
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