Course Description
The course introduces students to a broad range of specific ethical and legal issues pertinent to various aspects of the media. The course will investigate and analyse techniques for dealing with ethical problems and moral dilemmas that students may encounter in their professional lives. The rights and duties of the press, including electronic media are examined. Attention is given to Limitations on Freedom of Expression- defamation, contempt of court and of parliament, obscenity, copyright and obscenity. Special Attention is given to Ghana’s Constitution provisions on Freedom and Independence of the Media.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
· Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of ethics and it impacts on media practice
· Explain the development of the Ghana Legal system
· Critically appraise the concept of Freedom and Independence of the Media in Ghana
· Explain the limitations on freedom of speech and of expression and why these laws are necessary
· Write stories devoid of breaches of the law
Course Content
· The Concept of Law
· Development of the Ghana Legal System
· Freedom and Independence of the Media
· Limitations on Freedom of Speech and of Expression
· Court Reporting
· Law of Confidence
· Ethics and Code of Conduct
Compulsory Reading Materials
· Opoku-Agyeman, Maxwell. (2009). Constitutional Law and History of Ghana. Accra: Typewell Ventures.
· 1992 Constitution of Ghana.