Module Details
Module Code: |
MEDI C3301 |
Module Title:
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Media Law and the Digital Environment
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Title:
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Media Law and the Digital Environment 1
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Module Level:: |
8 |
Module Coordinator: |
Eileen Doyle
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Module Author:: |
Pauline McHugh
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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 principle theories of law which impact on the field of media and to examine the role of the media in a constitutional democracy, thereby assisting the student to develop the analytical skills required to apply their legal knowledge to various scenarios.
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Learning Outcome Description |
LO1 |
Be able to analyse and discuss the various fundamental rights which impact upon the field of media, in particular the Right to
Privacy and Freedom of Expression. |
LO2 |
Display understanding of the relevance of Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation to the field of Media. |
LO3 |
Select and apply their knowledge to avoid and/or solve legal problems in the areas of freedom of expression, privacy and data privacy in practice |
LO4 |
Be able to explain the rationale for censorship in a democratic society and describe how it manifests in this jurisdiction across traditional and digital media. |
Dependencies |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Additional Requisite Information
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No Co Requisites listed
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Indicative Content |
The Media and the Constitution (Fundamental Rights and role of media)
Interaction between relevant fundamental rights • Freedom of Expression(Art. 40.6) • Right to a Good Name(Art. 40.3.2) • Right to a Fair trial (Art. 38.1)• Right to Privacy(Art. 40.3)• Constitutional role in Open Justice(Art 34.1), • Media role of informing public and criticising Government policy (Art. 40.6)
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Introduction to theories of Freedom of Expression and the Media
• Deontological & Instrumental approaches • Freedom of Expression as a fundamental value • The Pursuit of Truth • Market Place of Ideas • 'post truth'
Speech and democracy/ role in politics • Expression and autonomy • The European Convention on Human Rights
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Censorship
• 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
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Fundamental right to Privacy
• Art. 40.3 of the Constitution /Art 8 ECHR • Privacy in Ireland as it affects journalists, bloggers, social media users-Civil action for damages for breach of privacy, common law precedent, court tests in constitutional action • Alternative routes for asserting privacy rights-action for breach of confidence, trespass, negligence, contract etc
• 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
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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
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Module Content & Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Continuous Assessment | 100.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
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.
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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 |
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Contact |
No Description |
12 Weeks per Stage |
3.00 |
36 |
Independent Learning |
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Non Contact |
No Description |
15 Weeks per Stage |
5.93 |
89 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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Eoin Carolan,Ailbhe O'Neill. (2019), Media Law in Ireland, 2nd Ed.. Bloomsbury Professional, p.688, [ISBN: 9781784518004].
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Marie McGonagle,Sharon McLaughlin,Tarlach McGonagle. (2018), Media Law in Ireland, 2nd Ed.. [ISBN: 9789403500232].
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Laura L. Keogh. (2019), Data Protection Compliance, Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781911611240].
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Denis Kelleher. (2015), Privacy and Data Protection Law in Ireland, 3rd Ed.. Bloomsbury Publishing, p.696, [ISBN: 9781780432038].
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Maeve McDonagh. Freedom of Information Law, 3rd Ed.. Round Hall, [ISBN: 9781858006833].
| Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
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LexisNexis LNB Legal database.
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Westlaw IE.
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JustisOne.
| Other Resources |
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