Category Archives: academic research

A sensible proposal for online recording of reporting restrictions

Posted on April 9, 2014 by jtownend

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

Posted on April 4, 2014 by jtownend

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 →

Posted in academic research, blogging, education, freedom of expression, human rights, journalism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

SLS Media & Communications Section: Call for Papers 2014

Posted on March 11, 2014 by jtownend

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 →

Posted in academic research | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

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

Posted on January 21, 2014 by jtownend

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 →

Posted in academic research, blogging, events, journalism, media law, media law resources | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Monitoring the effect of changes to defamation statute and procedure

Posted on January 3, 2014 by jtownend

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

What data should the Ministry of Justice open up?

Posted on September 13, 2013 by jtownend

The Ministry of Justice has listed 43 unpublished data-sets that could be opened up for public use. It is part of a public consultation on the National Information Infrastructure (NII), a new initiative for improving government data. The government is … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, access to justice, courts, criminal law, data, digital open justice, education, freedom of information | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Media and communications at SLS 2013

Posted on July 26, 2013 by jtownend

A quick post to flag up the media and communication sessions at the Society of Legal Scholars Annual conference in Edinburgh, 3-6 September (early bird booking until 31 July), put together by section convenor Daithí Mac Síthigh (@macsitigh).  The Cyberlaw … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, defamation, events, freedom of expression, human rights, leveson inquiry, media ethics, media law, media regulation, privacy | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Announcement: Launch of new survey on the legal experiences and views of journalists and online publishers

Posted on May 14, 2013 by jtownend

A new survey for journalists and bloggers, which can be found at this link, aims to collect information about their experiences of and views on libel and privacy law A system of arbitration is at the heart of Lord Justice … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, blogging, defamation, leveson inquiry, media ethics, media law, media law resources, media regulation, privacy | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Funding opportunity: PhD studentship for research project on corporations and defamation

Posted on March 25, 2013 by jtownend

The University of Portsmouth is seeking applicants for a funded PhD on corporations and defamation – looks like a fascinating project! The full project title is: “The Defamation of Companies: Free Speech, Public Protection and the Economic Consequences of False … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, defamation, education, media law | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Open letter: Justice and Security Bill is ‘a charter for cover ups’

Posted on March 4, 2013 by jtownend

My name is among the signatories of this open letter written in protest at the measures proposed in the Justice and Security Bill, which has reached its report stage and third reading in the House of Commons.  For more background … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, access to justice, courts, digital open justice, freedom of expression, human rights, press freedom | Tagged , , | Leave a comment