There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

This module will cover in-depth the three main legal principles of media law: Contempt of Court, Libel / Defamation and Privacy. It will also examine the role of industry regulators Ofcom and IPSO, and journalistic ethics with reference to the Editors’ Code of Conduct. Criminal and court reporting will be a major feature of the module which will be reflected in one of your assessments. You will also focus on the legal constraints and restrictions, especially with regard to privacy and the reporting of minors and victims of sexual assault. Overall we will look at how the journalist must work within the law in a democratic society, but be prepared to challenge it in a responsible and ethical manner. You will also focus on how the law specifically applies to journalists in broadcast media (TV and radio), online (newspapers, blogs, websites, videos, podcasts) and print (newspapers & magazines). The module will introduce you to Scottish and UK media law as well as the Human Rights Act 1998, the European Convention on Human Rights and international law. How the law also applies to social media will be examined along with copyright.The module will take both a practical and theoretical approach to media law with assessments on crime reporting, a legal portfolio and also opinion commentary.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically engage with a contemporary criminal court case.

LO2: Write a crime report on a recent Police investigation, which complies with Scots Law reporting constraints.

LO3: Critically analyse reporting restrictions for journalists.

LO4: Analyse the main media legal principles of Contempt of Court, Libel/Defamation and Privacy for journalists.

LO5: Demonstrate the ability to self- legal written copy and video/audio pieces.