| Module Title: | Law and the Media |
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| Module Delivered In |
No Programmes
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
The learning outcomes detailed above will be achieved through the following teaching methodologies:
• Lectures - communication of knowledge and ideas from the lecturer to the student.
• Tutorials - will enable the students to discuss the material critically and thoroughly by teasing out difficult points; solving problems; debating controversial topics, particularly in the field of emerging on line and internet media advances etc in an intimate and supportive environment
• Problem Solving Exercises – students will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various contract scenarios.
• Class Discussion/Debate - Students will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills.
• E-Learning – It is envisaged that the module will be supported with on-line learning materials.
• Self-Directed Independent Learning – the emphasis on independent learning will develop a strong and autonomous work and learning practices. |
| Module Aim: |
The aim of this module is to guide the learner through a course of study, which should enable him/her gain knowledge of the principle theories of law which impact on the field of media to include internet and on line media and/or PR practice and to assist the student to develop the analytical skills required to apply their legal knowledge to various scenarios. |
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to: |
| LO1 |
Display a thorough comprehension of the Irish Legal System as it impacts on traditional and on line and emerging Media and Public Relations. |
| LO2 |
Demonstrate an ability to analyse the relationship between the courts and the media( including digital and internet media) and be able to perform their role within those parameters. |
| LO3 |
Be able to analyse and discuss the various fundamental rights which impact upon the field of media( both traditional and emerging) and public relations, in particular the right to Privacy and Freedom of Expression in the context of both traditional media and on line media. |
| LO4 |
Illustrate an understanding of the constituent elements of defamation and the available defences to defamation actions in line with emerging media developments such as Twitter etc. |
| LO5 |
Identify and distinguish between the various types of intellectual property and appreciate the legal issues involved when dealing with such property and its relevance in the age of the internet. |
| LO6 |
Display understanding of the relevance of Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation to the field of Media, particularly in the context of internet storage and usage of data and Public Relations |
| LO7 |
Select and apply their knowledge to avoid and/or solve legal problems in practice in a modern data age. |
| LO8 |
Explore and research the personal, social, cultural, legal and ethical concerns in relation to the applicable law and have the ability to express same. |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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| No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
| No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
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The Irish Legal System
• Nature and history of Irish law
• Sources and Divisions of Irish law
• The legal profession
• The legislative process
• Interpretation of legislation
• The administration of justice
• Court structure and Jurisdiction
• The doctrine of precedent
• Introduction to constitutional law including the separation of powers and fundamental rights
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Fundamental Rights
Rights protected by the Irish Constitution
• Freedom of Expression including influende of the internet • Right to a Good Name, including on line implications
• Right to a Fair trial
• Right to Privacy/proposed reform in the internet age
• ‘Public Order and Morality’ Restriction
Rights protected by International Human Rights Instruments
• The European Convention on Human Rights
• The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
• International Standards
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Open Justice – Media and the Courts
• Contempt of Court
• Defences
• Persons legally responsible for a publication, and relevance in internet context
• Procedure
• Injunctions
• Exclusion of the Media from Court and on line implications
• Reporting Restrictions and influence of modern media
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Moral Censorship
• Offences against Public Morality
• Taste and decency Obligations
• Advertising
• Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
• Press Council & Press Ombudsman
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Defamation
Defamation, elements of a cause of action, publication(Twitter, facebook etc.), identification, defamatory effect, vicarious liability, special defences,
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Intellectual Property Law
• Copyright Act 1963 as amended by Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000; Nature of copyright, subjects of copyright, ownership of copyright, term of copyright (Council Directive 93/98/EEC), infringement of copyright, licences, penalties, lawful use of copyright work.
• Moral Rights
• Performers Rights
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Data Protection & Freedom of Information
• Data Protection Act 1998 as amended by the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 - Protection of privacy of individuals with regard to personal data, right to establish the existence of automated personal data, right of access to data, right to have inaccurate data rectified or erased, powers of the Data Protection Commissioner, data controllers register, restrictions on right to access data, sanctions. applications re on line data storage and manipulation.
Freedom of Information Act 1997, as amended by the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003
- Information held by Public Bodies, definition of persona information, exclusions, key rights, right of any member of the public to access records, to amend personal information records, right of interested parties to reasons for decisions, procedures for requesting information, form of access, grounds for refusal of access, exempt records, commercially sensitive information, Information Commissioner.
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Employment Law
Employee and employer rights pre employment, to include interview, reference, medical assessment, equality legislation, rights to written terms of employment, leave entitlements, ,unfair dismissal, redundancy, Health Safety and Welfare at work.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 15.00% |
| Project | 15.00% |
| End of Module Formal Examination | 70.00% |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Other |
In class assessment |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
15.00 |
n/a |
| Project |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
In class assessment |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
15.00 |
n/a |
| End of Module Formal Examination |
|---|
| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Formal Exam |
3 hour exam |
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 |
70.00 |
End-of-Semester |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Lecture |
30 Weeks per Stage |
3.00 |
| Estimated Learner Hours |
30 Weeks per Stage |
3.67 |
| Total Hours |
200.00 |
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