Free Speech, Contempt and the Media

Subject 730-815 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

March, - 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 candidates background and experience.
Prerequisites: N.A.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Mr Jonathan Michael Gill
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Understand current Australian law concerning the issue of free speech in relation to the institutions of the state, including parliament, the executive government and the courts
  • Be aware of philosophical perspectives affecting the way in which the media are regulated, and the roles of media speech in contemporary society
  • Be familiar with local case studies and international comparisons concerning the regulation of free speech.

Syllabus:

This subject provides an examination of Australian law affecting the media’s ability to report the courts, the executive and parliament.

Principal topics will include:

  • Contempt of court
  • Contempt of parliament
  • Offensive publications: Violence, pornography, racism
  • Seditious publications
  • Access to information in court
  • Government information: Security and official secrets
  • Freedom of speech: Theoretical issues, international perspectives.
Assessment:
  • Class participation (10%)
  • Take-home examination (90%) (1–4 May)

    or

    Research paper 8,000 words (90%) (25 May) (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: 730-815Free Speech, Contempt and the MediaMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2009P

Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Understand current Australian law concerning the issue of free speech in relation to the institutions of the state, including parliament, the executive government and the courts
  • Be aware of philosophical perspectives affecting the way in which the media are regulated, and the roles of media speech in contemporary society
  • Be familiar with local case studies and international comparisons concerning the regulation of free speech.

Syllabus:

This subject provides an examination of Australian law affecting the media’s ability to report the courts, the executive and parliament.

Principal topics will include:

  • Contempt of court
  • Contempt of parliament
  • Offensive publications: Violence, pornography, racism
  • Seditious publications
  • Access to information in court
  • Government information: Security and official secrets
  • Freedom of speech: Theoretical issues, international perspectives.
  • Class participation (10%)
  • Take-home examination (90%) (1–4 May)

    or

    Research paper 8,000 words (90%) (25 May) (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 candidates background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.Mr Jonathan Michael GillLawLawNNNNParkvillePARKVILLEFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730815730-8152March

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