Free Speech, Contempt and the Media

Subject LAWS70184 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

March, Parkville - 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: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Contact

For more information, contact the Melbourne Law Masters office.

Email law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone +61 3 8344 6190.

Alternatively, visit our website:

www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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 and racism
  • Seditious publications
  • Access to information in court
  • Government information: Security and official secrets
  • Freedom of speech: Theoretical issues and international perspectives.
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 is 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.
Assessment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date

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