Privacy and the Media

Subject 730-877 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.
Prerequisites: N.A.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

A/Prof Megan Richardson, Mr G Pillipson
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Be familiar with basic legal sources of privacy protection in comparable jurisdictions
  • Be able to situate privacy in its historical, political and social context
  • Have an understanding of the sharply differing approaches of a number of legal jurisdictions to the protection of privacy, especially vis--vis the media
  • Have awareness of the applicable principles of the European Convention on Human Rights and Bills of Rights in comparable jurisdictions (including the US, Canada, New Zealand, and now the ACT and Victoria) as well as the Australian implied freedom of political discussion
  • Be familiar with the principles involved in reconciling privacy claims with those of media freedom in a number of key comparative jurisdictions.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • Values underlying the notion of a right to privacy: Why is it considered a basic human right?
  • Privacy as a constitutional issue
  • Role of the news media in different forms, and the function of the media in a modern society
  • Breach of confidence as a vehicle for privacy protection
  • Alternatives to breach of confidence: Differing models of a tort of invasion of privacy
  • Privacy in public places: The US/European divide
  • Celebrity, publicity and waiver of privacy rights
  • Whistle blowing, protection of journalists sources
  • Access to information (FOI)
  • Privacy and freedom of speech (especially of the media).
Assessment:
  • Take-home examination (100%) (25 May)
    or
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (5 June) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-877Privacy and the MediaMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2008

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Be familiar with basic legal sources of privacy protection in comparable jurisdictions
  • Be able to situate privacy in its historical, political and social context
  • Have an understanding of the sharply differing approaches of a number of legal jurisdictions to the protection of privacy, especially vis--vis the media
  • Have awareness of the applicable principles of the European Convention on Human Rights and Bills of Rights in comparable jurisdictions (including the US, Canada, New Zealand, and now the ACT and Victoria) as well as the Australian implied freedom of political discussion
  • Be familiar with the principles involved in reconciling privacy claims with those of media freedom in a number of key comparative jurisdictions.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • Values underlying the notion of a right to privacy: Why is it considered a basic human right?
  • Privacy as a constitutional issue
  • Role of the news media in different forms, and the function of the media in a modern society
  • Breach of confidence as a vehicle for privacy protection
  • Alternatives to breach of confidence: Differing models of a tort of invasion of privacy
  • Privacy in public places: The US/European divide
  • Celebrity, publicity and waiver of privacy rights
  • Whistle blowing, protection of journalists sources
  • Access to information (FOI)
  • Privacy and freedom of speech (especially of the media).
  • Take-home examination (100%) (25 May)
    or
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (5 June) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
N.A.N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.A/Prof Megan Richardson, Mr G PillipsonLawFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730877P12.500Semester 1NLawLaw730-877

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