Module Descriptors
LAW FOR JOURNALISTS 1
JOUR40252
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Paul Gubbins
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 33
Independent Study Hours: 117
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • CLASS-TEST weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Resources
Internet
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.





Module Texts
Crone, T., Law and the Media, 4th edition, Focal Press, 2002. Greenwood, W., Welsh, T., McNae's Essential Law for Journalists, Butterworths, 19th edition, 2007.
Hadwin, S,. and Bloy, D. Law and the Media. Sweet and Maxwell, 2007.
Journalism Dept. Journalism Style Guide. Staffordshire University, 2007.
Quinn, F. Law for Journalists. Longman, 2007.
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., An Introduction to Journalism ? Essential Techniques and Background Knowledge, Focal Press, 2002.
Smartt, U. (ed), Media Law for Journalists, Sage, 2006.







Module Additional Assessment Details
A two hour class test in Law
Module Indicative Content
This module provides journalism students with an overview of legal and ethical issues. Current issues in the press will be discussed as they arise. The module looks at the law from the perspective of the journalist and provide students with the knowledge to help protect them from legal action over published or broadcast items. They will learn about the laws of defamation and contempt of court as well as wider ethical issues such as freedom of speech, the right to privacy. The module also provides information about the regulatory bodies responsible for providing print and broadcast journalists with a professional code of conduct.
Module Learning Strategies
Two one-hour lectures per week
One one-hour seminar