JRN504 Journalism Law and Ethics (8)
Enrolment Restriction: Master of Arts (Communication - Journalism)
This subject introduces students to Australian law and the legal system as they affect the professional journalist. Content includes defamation, law reform, privilege, contempt of court, freedom of information, regulation of the press, radio television and the advertising industry, sales promotions and competitions. Content also includes discussion of the statutory bodies that affect the professional communicator, the media and the justice system, investigate journalism, and how to report a court case. The subject examines specific cases of ethical dilemmas as they affect journalists with reference to their specific codes of ethics. Ethical implications of censorship, conflicts of interest, stereotyping, economic pressures and social responsibility are examined.