General Information
Media and Communications Law is an undergraduate elective subject offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject deals with the law relating to communications media in the information society. It covers early controls and censorship of print media; freedom of expression and the Australian Constitution; defamation and the media; privacy, confidentiality and publicity; freedom of information; obscenity, blasphemy and sedition; copyright; free speech, contempt of court and parliament; regulation of the print media; radio and TV licensing; the multi-media revolution; the Internet and telecommunications regulation.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Law Subject code: LAWS13-527 Subject title: Media and Communications Law Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: January 2024 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Seminar: x12 (Total hours: 36) - Weekly seminar
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
Attendance and learning activities: Students must attend at least 8 seminars in addition to their oral presentation session. Absence from seminars will affect class participation marks. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Sharon Rodrick, Brendan Clift, Jennifer Ireland, Lesley Power (2021). Australian Media Law. 6th, Thomson Reuters
Others
- George, Allen, Benson, Collins, Mattson, Munsie, Rubagotti and Stuart (2022). Social Media and the Law 4th edition. Lexis Nexis
- Keyzer, Pearson and Johnston (2012). The Courts and the Media: Challenges in the Era of Digital and Social Media. Halstead
- Rolph, Vitins and Bannister (2022). Media Law: Cases, Materials and Commentary 3rd edition. Oxford University Press
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Law |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LAWS13-527 |
| Subject title: | Media and Communications Law |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2024 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Students must attend at least 8 seminars in addition to their oral presentation session. Absence from seminars will affect class participation marks. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Others
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Presentation 10-15 Minute Class Presentation 25.00% Week 9 1,2,3,4 Essay Individual Essay on approved topic (3,600 words) 60.00% Week 12 1,2,3,4 Student Engagement Class Participation 15.00% Weekly 1,2,3,4 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 10-15 Minute Class Presentation | 25.00% | Week 9 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Essay | Individual Essay on approved topic (3,600 words) | 60.00% | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Student Engagement | Class Participation | 15.00% | Weekly | 1,2,3,4 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Students must attend at least 8 seminars in addition to their oral presentation session. Absence from seminars will affect class participation marks. | Students may be asked to respond to questions from the subject coordinator regarding the content of their assessments. Students are expected to keep evidence of drafting and research.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction and Background; Freedom of Expression
Students will be provided with an overview of Subject Topics and Materials, as well as an introduction to the concepts and principles underlying Media and Communications Law.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Freedom of Expression (continued)
Students will consider the history and philosophies of free speech, the constitutional protection of free speech in Australia, and the crimes of blasphemy and sedition. Students will appraise and critique the policy rationales for the legal rules and principles.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Free Speech in the contemporary context: New Media
Students will consider the treatment of free speech in social media and digital technology with reference to recent case studies.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Privacy
Students will consider the fundamental privacy principles underpinning Media Law and practice and examine the tension between the principle of open justice, the use of technology and privacy.
SLOs included
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Contempt of Court, including a discussion of the
principle of open justice
Students will consider the rules that govern contempt of court, particularly sub judice contempt (communications that undermine the due administration of justice). The tension between open justice and free speech on the one hand, and the protection of the courts and litigants on the other, will be explored.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Contempt of Court (continued)
A continuation of the discussion on principles governing Contempt of Court and open justice.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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The Law of Defamation; the action for defamation and
defences to defamation
Students will consider the rules that protect reputation in Australia, critique them, and consider whether they can be rationalized (and if so, to what extent) with the doctrines of freedom of speech.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Defamation and defences to defamation (continued)
A continuation of the Law of Defamation and defences.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Oral Presentations: Weeks 9 & 10
Students will present individually chosen topics in 10- 15 minute presentations. Presentations may provide the basis/framework for written essays.
SLOs included
- Understand the philosophical foundations of free speech and controls on free speech, and how free speech is or is not protected within Australia and internationally.
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Regulation of Media: Internet, legal and self-regulation
The regulation of broadcasting, digital and print media will be examined. Students will also consider the interaction between digital media and other legislation, and examine and critique the expanded ambits of media law.
SLOs included
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.
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Copyright
Various aspects of copyright regulation in the media will be examined and critiqued; the implications of digital advances and the internet will be considered.
SLOs included
- Appreciate the competing normative claims of legal doctrines relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, etc.
- Demonstrate capacity to identify and apply doctrines, principles and rules relating to media law to contemporary, novel legal challenges.
- Understand the contemporary issues and debates relating to media law.