Course Code
Academic Year
This course will introduce students to the legal and ethical issues that confront journalists on a regular basis. Without a solid grounding in the legal system journalists cannot adequately report on court proceedings, the political process, legal developments, most current events and many items of public interest. The Internet has made information instantaneous, permanent and worldwide. This exacerbates the legal and ethical issues and makes it vital that students have a good grounding in law and ethics. Where relevant, the application of legal and ethical issues will incorporate a discussion of electronic means of communication including online journals, blogs, chat rooms, social networking sites, as well as print, radio and television.Through lectures, discussion of actual case studies, an analysis of the relevant legal principals and readings, students will obtain the legal skills and knowledge they require to venture out as journalists in any medium.