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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
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
Lecture11Weekly lecture
Seminars11Weekly seminar
Independent Study60Reading
Independent Study43Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 125

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 journalist s 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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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
Unavailable
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
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