Introduction to Media Law

Overview

Course duration: 1 day.

Every week the media picks up on a libel case involving high profile individuals. This course has been designed to ensure you are reading that story and not featuring in it.

Is it right for me?

Suitable for journalists with little to no knowledge of media law - including the perils of libel - and as a refresher for others who need to keep up with the many latest legal developments that could affect them in their job every day.

What will I learn?

By the end of this theory and practical course, you will be able to:

• Understand English and Welsh media law and how this can affect journalists writing for newspapers and magazines
• Consider the process, what to do if a writ comes in and the classic defences to libel
• Understand other aspects of defamation including slander and malicious falsehood and other media law including copyright, the Defence Advisory Notice System, Contempt of Court, the law of confidentiality and the Official Secrets Act

Pre-course Activity

Bring along to the course any work you have or you are working on that have legal problems.

What will it cover?

The Process of Libel

• Definition of libel
• The action of libel as a civil case
• What the plaintiff has to prove
• Classic defences

Other Legal Challenges and Systems

• Writs
• Injunctions
• Court processes
• Fast track system, apology and correction

The Legal Process

• How the law operates in other countries
• Copyright
• Contempt of court
• Law of confidentiality and leaked documents

Legal Structure

• Defence Advisory Notice System
• Official Secrets Act applying to journalists