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Media Regulation and Freedom of Speech (LAWS90007)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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The focus of the subject is on freedom of speech, media freedom and the law. The first part of the course looks at the key theories and writings about freedom of speech and media freedom. It then considers the legal protection of, and cultural attitudes towards, freedom of speech and media freedom across a range of jurisdictions (including Australia, the UK, the US and Continental Europe), with particular attention given to different constitutional and human rights contexts. The second part of the course explores media freedom and freedom of speech through a series of comparative case studies that focus on specific areas of legal restraint on media freedom - for example, hate speech (racial and religious vilification), restrictions on offensive publications, national security and sedition, issues regarding newsgathering, protection of journalists' sources, freedom of information (FOI) and access to documents, and media regulation.
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject will:
- Have a detailed, advanced and critical understanding of theories of freedom of speech and media freedom;
- Have a detailed, advanced and critical understanding of the legal protections of freedom of speech and media freedom across a range of different jurisdictions;
- Have an advanced knowledge of the constitutional and human rights contexts in which freedom of speech and media freedom receive legal protection;
- Be able to reflect upon, in a highly advanced and critical way, the various constraints imposed upon freedom of speech across a range of different jurisdictions; and
- Be able to express, in written form, advanced arguments regarding the theoretical underpinnings of freedom of the media and the legal constraints imposed upon freedom of speech across a range of different jurisdictions, using appropriate comparative techniques.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Understand and critically reflect upon the principal theoretical material regarding freedom of speech and media freedom;
- Understand and critically reflect upon the legal restraints imposed on freedom of speech and media freedom;
- Critically analyse legal and scholarly developments in the area of freedom of speech and media freedom; and
- Communicate their analysis of the law and legal developments in appropriate written forms.
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the MC-JURISD Juris Doctor
AND
All of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS50023 | Legal Method and Reasoning | Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50024 | Principles of Public Law | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50026 | Obligations | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50027 | Dispute Resolution | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
LAWS50028 | Constitutional Law | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50031 | Legal Theory |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
November (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assessment 1: Case study focusing on one or more selected readings | 10% | |
Assessment 2, Option 1: Optional research essay on a topic approved by the subject coordinator
| 90% | |
Assessment 2, Option 2: Open book examination
| 90% |
Additional details
Note: Students must choose assessment from the options listed above. If an option contains parts, all parts must be completed if that option is chosen.
The due date of the above assessment will be available to students via the Assessment Schedule on the LMS Community.
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
144 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject has a quota.
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
- Specialist printed materials will also be made available from the Melbourne Law School.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Juris Doctor - Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 30 January 2024