Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The purpose of this unit is to identify and evaluate the laws which govern the way in which the media collect and disseminate news and information about the state. Topics include the media and the courts (open justice and obtaining information about court proceedings, suppression orders, contempt of court, journalists and their sources), the media and parliament (contempt of Parliament, parliamentary broadcasts), reporting elections, reporting on defence and national security (D notices, sedition, official secrets, reporting terrorism etc), and offensive publications (blasphemy, obscenity, racial and religious vilification etc).

Objectives

By the end of the unit, students should have a general understanding of, and be able to provide advice about the application of, the laws which impact on the way in which the media collect and disseminate news and information about the institutions of state. They should have developed their own opinions on whether the law has struck an appropriate balance between freedom of speech and other competing rights such as the protection of the administration of justice and the protection of national security.

Assessment

Written research assignment (2500 words): 35%
Final written examination (2 hours plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 65% OR Final written examination (3 hours plus minutes reading and noting time): 100%

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures per week

Prerequisites

LAW1100 OR LAW 1102 AND LAW1102 OR LAW1104

Co-requisites

Recommended but not required: LAW4140; LAW5146