Module Details

Module Code: LAWS C2806
Module Title: Fundamentals of Media and PR Law 1
Title: Fundamentals of Media and PR Law 1
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Myles Kelly
Module Author:: Pauline McHugh
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to guide the learner through a course of study, which should enable him/her gain knowledge of the principal theories of law which impact on the field of traditional and digital media and PR practice and to assist the student to develop the ethical and analytical skills required to apply their legal knowledge to various scenarios.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse, discuss and evaluate from a critical and ethical perspective the fundamental rights of privacy and freedom of expression (including restrictions of these rights) as they impact upon the field of media (both traditional and emerging) and public relations.
LO2 Demonstrate an ability to analyse the role of the media and ethical reporting in the administration of justice in our courts, and identify the circumstances that give rise to contempt of court in an era of digital commentary and communication.
LO3 Display understanding of the relevance of Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation and Copyright to the field of Media and PR and be able to apply it ethically in their practice.
LO4 Illustrate an understanding of the constituent elements of the right to a good name, defamation and the available defences to defamation actions in line with emerging media developments such as Twitter etc. and be able to apply it to avoid/solve problems.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Fundamental right to Freedom of Expression
• Art. 40.6 of the Constitution/ Art 10 ECHR • An outline of the role of the media set out in Art. 40.6/Art 10 • Curtailment of Freedom of Expression: • Public order/morality • Anti-discrimination legislation, • Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred, • Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 • Censorship of print/broadcasting/digital formats • Reform-Office of internet safety/Internet safety Commissioner
Media and the Courts
• Court reporting/Rules against disclosure of vulnerable victims/parties in court cases • Restrictions on reporting • Contempt of court/interfering with the administration of justice and right to fair trial/reform
Fundamental right to Privacy
• Art. 40.3 of the Constitution /Art 8 ECHR • Privacy in Ireland as it affects journalists, bloggers, social media users-common law precedent • Civil action for damages for breach of privacy • Public interest as a defence to breach of privacy • Legislation concerning criminal aspects of breach of privacy: • Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 • Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997
Data Protection & Freedom of Information
• GDPR 2016, Data Protection Act 2018, ePrivacy Regs 2011, Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 • Protection of privacy of individuals with regard to personal data, • Journalistic exemption • Rights of data subjects, duties of data controllers/processors • Functions and powers of the Data Protection Commissioner • Freedom of Information Act 2014 • Information held by Public Bodies, • Right of any member of the public to access records • procedures for requesting information, form of access, • grounds for refusal of access, exempt records, • Function and powers of Information Commissioner
Defamation
• Defamation Act 2009 • Elements of a cause of action, publication (Twitter, facebook etc.) • Defences
Intellectual Property rights
Copyright law(literary, music, film), Performance rights • Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 • Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Law Provisions Act 2019 • Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market (DSM Directive)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 100
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Assessment concerning problem scenario(s) relating to the module material
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 5.93 89
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Eoin Carolan,Ailbhe O'Neill. (2019), Media Law in Ireland, 2nd Ed.. Bloomsbury Professional, p.688, [ISBN: 9781784518004].
  • Marie McGonagle,Sharon McLaughlin,Tarlach McGonagle. (2018), Media Law in Ireland, 2nd Ed.. Kluwer Law International, [ISBN: 9789403500232].
  • Allison Kenneally,John Tully. The Irish Legal System, 1st Ed.. Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781905536580].
  • Laura L. Keogh. (2019), Data Protection Compliance, Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781911611240].
  • Denis Kelleher. (2015), Privacy and Data Protection Law in Ireland, 3rd Ed.. Bloomsbury Publishing, p.696, [ISBN: 9781780432038].
  • John Maher. (2019), The Law of Defamation, 2nd Ed.. Round Hall, [ISBN: 9780414061712].
  • Rónán Kennedy,Maria Helen Murphy. (2017), Information and Communications Technology Law in Ireland, Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781905536962].
  • Simon Shire. (2020), Entertainment and Media Law in Ireland, Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781911611073].
  • Maeve McDonagh. Freedom of Information Law, 3rd Ed.. Round Hall, [ISBN: 9781858006833].
  • Robert Clark,Shane Smyth,Niamh Hall. (2016), Intellectual Property Law in Ireland, 4th ed.. Bloomsbury Professional, p.1000, [ISBN: 9781780435411].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: