An exam weighted at 70 per cent comprising of short, essay-style answers based on court law questions derived from recent NCTJ examination practice and a 90 minute unseen exam based on local government reporting.
[Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3, 4,5,6]

A portfolio weighted at 30 per cent comprising court stories derived from a visit to a crown court and a feature which examines a public affairs issue.
[Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6]

The content draws on topics treated in the level four modules Introduction to Media Law and NCTJ Law. Particular emphasis, however, is placed on the workings of the courts and the background knowledge a reporter needs successfully and safely to report court cases. Understanding of the restrictions placed on reports is of paramount importance (e.g. reporting youth courts, young persons in adult courts, sect. 4/11 orders under the Contempt of Court Act, anonymity for victims of sexual offences, etc.).
Learning is underscored with a mandatory visit to a crown court with a requirement, based on the proceedings attended, to produce legally-safe copy either for print or broadcast media.

The Governmnent theory content will be delivered primarily through lectures, seminars and workshops. A programme of 12 x 2 hour lectures/seminars (24 hours) across both semesters will cover the key areas of how local government is. Powerpoints, video, links to current affairs and in class exercises and visits from outside speakers will be used to enhance learning.

Key Information Sets
Learning & Teaching hours
34% scheduled learning and teaching
66% guided independent study

Course book
Module notes (Blackboard)
Extra reading (Blackboard)
Specimen examination papers and revision tips (Blackboard)

Course book
Quinn, F., 2013. Law for Journalists. Pearson Longman, 4th edition.
Morrison, J, 2015. Essential Public Affairs for Journalists. Oxfod University Press, 4th edition

Other books
Dodd, M. and Hanna, M., 2012. McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists. Oxford University Press, 21st edition.
Benz, J., Mago, E. and Timmerman, J., 2014. Legal Guide to Broadcast Law and Regulation. National Association of Broadcasters, 6th edition.
Crook, T., 2010. Comparative Media Law and Ethics. Routledge.
Smartt, U., 2011. Media and Entertainment Law. Routledge.
D. Wilson & C Game:Local Government in the UK (Government beyond the centre) , 5th Edition, (Palgrave) 2011

Newspapers, periodicals, on-line
UK Press Gazette
The Guardian (investigative reporting on ethical issues)
The Daily Telegraph (coverage of national court stories)
The Sentinel (coverage of local court stories)
Staffs Live (coverage of local court stories)
The Times Law Reports (important legal cases, including libels).

Websites
www.ipso.co.uk (IPSO)
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ (Ofcom)
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/hra.htm (Human Rights Act)
www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk (Reporting the press, incl. ethical and other issues)
www.cps.gov.uk (Crown Prosecution Service)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/journalism/ (BBC College of Journalists)

1. SHOW KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATION OF THE COURTS AND ITS RELEVANCE TO JOURNALISTIC WRITING [Knowledge and Understanding]

2. PRODUCE LEGALLY SAFE COURT REPORTS SUITABLE FOR PRINT, BROADCAST AND ON-LINE MEDIA AND BE ABLE TO APPLY THIS LEARNING TO MEET THE STANDARDS OF THE NCTJ EXAMINATION IN REPORTING THE COURTS [Learning]

3. SEEK SOLUTIONS TO LEGAL ISSUES ARISING FROM REPORTING THE COURTS [Enquiry]

4. UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION OF MODERN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
[Knowledge and Understanding]

5. DEVELOP AN INSIGHT INTO A NUMBER OF KEY ISSUES THAT LOCAL GOVT MUST DEAL WITH
[Enquiry]

6. ANALYSE IN WRITING ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH GOVT IN RELATION TO KEY PERSPECTIVES
[Analysis]

UPDATE HOURS ONLY