Author Archives: jtownend

An inappropriate gavel

I’m just posting this to alert visitors / readers that this site is no longer regularly updated. I’m rather fond of the Meeja Law logo/banner by Drawnalism (even if it is an inappropriate use of a gavel; one might say … Continue reading

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Legal records and the ‘right to be forgotten’: Google Spain blog series and event

Professor Lorna Woods, University of Essex, has put together a fantastic panel of lawyers to digest and discuss the long-awaited ECJ judgment in the Google Spain case, which considers whether Google is required to remove links to a 15 year … Continue reading

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A sensible proposal for online recording of reporting restrictions

Amid concerns over proposed changes to the Contempt of Act 1981, through the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which would introduce new statutory powers for the removal of online material*, it seems worth highlighting some separate recommendations on contempt and … Continue reading

Posted in academic research, access to justice, contempt of court, courts, media law, press freedom, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The impact of libel and privacy on UK-based online journalists, bloggers and hyperlocals – some survey data

Last November I had the opportunity to attend an event organised by the Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society in Berlin, which is facilitating some fascinating research on global internet policy issues across different areas of law, governance and business. … Continue reading

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SLS Media & Communications Section: Call for Papers 2014

The Society of Legal Scholars has opened its call for papers for the Media & Communications section of the 2014 SLS Annual Conference, to be held at the University of Nottingham from 9th – 12th September. Full details can be … Continue reading

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Promotion: IBC Defamation and Privacy Conference 2014

Event promotion IBC Legal Presents the 21st Annual Defamation & Privacy 2014   20th May 2014, London For full details and to register visit: http://www.ibclegal.com/FKW82452MJLB Agenda here: http://www.ibclegal.com/FKW82452MJLB Speakers include: • Andrew Caldecott QC, Head of Chambers, One Brick Court … Continue reading

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Upcoming event, 24 January 2014, Oxford: The challenges of citizen journalism – Technology and the law

I’m off to Oxford on Friday for this event hosted by The Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy: The challenges of citizen journalism: Technology and the law. According to the details on the website all are welcome to attend. … Continue reading

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Job opportunity: Legal officer at the Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI)

MLDI is currently advertising for a legal officer. Here’s the information: Based in London, we work worldwide through a network of partner organisations and individual lawyers. We have cases pending before various national courts as well as at international human … Continue reading

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Monitoring the effect of changes to defamation statute and procedure

The Defamation Act 2013 is now in force. In a press release the government claims it “reverses the chilling effect on freedom of expression current libel law has allowed, and the prevention of legitimate debate we have seen in the … Continue reading

Posted in academic research, blogging, defamation, digital open justice, freedom of expression, human rights, media law, media law resources | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Upcoming event, 26 October 2013: The internet and the law conference

A few more details about Saturday’s event organised by the National Union of Journalists and the Media Reform Coalition (I’m chairing the libel panel).  Just days before the Privy Council is due to sign off the Royal Charter on press … Continue reading

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