1

1General information

1.1Lecturer and course leader

Ms Keneilwe Radebe

Office: Law Building 4-57

Telephone: (012) 420-3760

1.2Departmental administrator

Mrs J Larkin

Office: Law Building 4-61

Telephone (012) 420-2415

1.3Consultation hours

Monday10:00-13:00

Tuesday10:00-13:00

2.Lectures

Tuesday 07:45-09:20 IT 4-3

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

This module focuses on the legal administration, regulation and constitutional protection of the Section 16 right to freedom of expression. The scope, objections, purpose and limitations of the Section 16 right are clearly highlighted through legislation, case law judgments and other legal sources discussed during the first and introductory lectures of the module. Throughout the module or semester various complementary rights or interests apparent during the exercise of the section 16 right are also focused on. These complementary rights or interests include and are not limited to; human dignity, privacy, intellectual property rights, state interests, judicial integrity matters, broad community interests’ and consumer rights. The module is divided into three main essential areas, namely:

  • the regulation and protection of the section 16 right to protect individual interest;
  • the regulation and protection of the section 16 right to protect public interest;
  • the regulation and protection of section right to protect democracy.

The above three areas are summarised as follows;

  • the regulation and protection of individual interest. This deals with sub- themes including defamation, privacy, intellectual property rights and social media conflicts;
  • the regulation and protection of public interest. This deals with sub- themes including the maintaining of integrity of the judicial system or legal proceedings, hate speech and the introduction of the hate crimes bill, various media regulatory bodies including the BCCSA in place to protect the public against distasteful and harmful material are also discussed and the protection of consumer rights which could be affected by the media are also discussed.
  • the regulation and protection of democracy. This deals with sub-themes including the role of and constitutional duties of the broadcasting corporation authority/s and growing concerns of censorship are also focused on, the protection of confidential media sources is also discussed.

READING

The course relies on three main texts, all of which are made available to students electronically through class notes posted on click-up:

  • D Milo and P Stein (2013) A Practical Guide to Media Law: Lexis Nexis (Textbook)
  • Y Burns (2009) Communications Law (2nd edition) Lexis Nexis (Textbook)
  • Case law highlighted throughout various course themes

ASSESSMENT

Your semester mark will be based on three assessment opportunities. The mark will be calculated as follows:

Closed book test 1: 40%

Closed book test 2: 40 %

Assignments: 20%

Assessment dates and times will be announced in class and on click-up

CALCULATION OF FINAL MARK

Your final mark will made up of your semester mark (50%) and your examination mark (50%). The usual faculty policy applies with regards to the fact that an entrance mark of 40% is required in order to be allowed to write the exam.

COURSE THEMES

  • THEME 1: Introductory theme:

1.1 consists of a discussion of the section 16 constitutional right to freedom of expression

1.2limitations of the section 16 right to freedom of expression;

  • THEME 2: Defamation and the exercise of the right to freedom of expression ( incl. social media)
  • THEME 3: Privacy and the exercise of the right to freedom of expression (incl. social media)
  • THEME 4: The protection of business interest, intellectual property, personality rights and the exercise of freedom of expression;

4.1 employment disputes;

4.2 The protection of intellectual property- trademarks and copyrights (incl. social media)

4.3 The protection of personality rights, cyber-bullying (incl. social media)

  • THEME 5: 5.1Publicity of judicial trials

5.2 Contempt of court

  • THEME 6:6.1Hate speech

6.2 Criminal defamation

6.3 The introduction of Hate Crimes Bill,

6.4Protection of state information Bill

6.5 Protection of Personal information Act,2013

  • THEME 7:Media regulatory bodies
  • THEME 8:Freedom of expression and democracy

8.1 The role and constitutional duties of the SABC

8.2 Censorship, Access to information

8.3 The protection of journalistic sources

8.4Parliament and the right to freedom of expression

8.5Protests and the right to freedom of expression

THEME 1: The constitutional right to freedom of expression and limitations of the right to freedom of expression

Guiding questions

  • What is the purpose of section 16 (1) of the Constitution?
  • What does section 16 (1) of the Constitution protect?
  • Explain and discuss the content of 16 (1) of the Constitution
  • What is freedom of expression per section 16 (1) of the Constitution?
  • What are the other forms of legislation or conventions (international/national) that promote and protect the right to freedom of expression?
  • Does section 16 (1) effectively protect the right to freedom of expression?
  • What are the rationales for the protection of freedom of expression?
  • Briefly explain the sub-categories contained in section 16 (1) of the Constitution
  • What is the purpose of section 16 (2) of the Constitution?
  • Discuss the 36-limitation analysis
  • Discuss the various forms of exclusions from the constitutional protection of freedom of expression

Core reading

Milo & Stein (2013) A Practical Guide to Media Law: Lexis Nexis

Y Burns (2009) Communications Law (2nd edition) Lexis Nexis

WJ Van Vollenhoven ‘The right to freedom of expression: the mother of our democracy’ (2015) 18 Potchefstroom Law Journal 2299

Case and Another v Minister of Safety and Security 1996 (5) BCLR 608 (CC)

Johncom Media Investments Ltd v M 2009 BCLR 751

Khumalo v Holomisa 2002 (8) BCLR 771 (CC) (14 June 2002)

SA National Defence Force Union v Minister of Defence 1999 (6) BCLR 615 (CC) (26 May 1999)

The Citizen v McBride 2011 (8) BCLR 816 (CC) ( 8 April 2011)

Essay question

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) envisages enacting a new law permitting the speaker to authorise the jamming of sound devices in the council in instances relating to the uttering of “unparliamentary speech”, “undue criticism of the South African president” and the uttering of words that could spark or incite the commission of hate crimes whilst in parliament. The NCOP is of the view that jamming such devices during the abovementioned instances will help in prevention of the promotion of “reckless” and “disrespectful behaviour” in the parliament often taking place to undermine the President of the Republic and the South African ruling party. You are thus approached by your principal who is a Constitutional Court judge who requests you to conduct appropriate research and later compile a memorandum addressing the question whether the right to freedom of expression will be limited by such a law. In the event that you find that indeed freedom of expression will be limited, you should further advise your principal on whether the limitation will be justifiable in terms of section 36 of the Constitution.

THEME 2:Defamation

Guiding questions

  • What are the elements of defamation?
  • Discuss the defences that can be raised in a defamation claim
  • Who can sue for defamation?
  • What is criminal defamation?
  • What are the possible remedies in a defamation claim?
  • How have South African courts dealt with defamation taking place in cases involving social media
  • Is there a distinction between instances of defamation involving a public figure and defamation involving a private citizen?
  • Is the way defamation claims against the media are dealt with sufficient in preventing a “chilling effect” on press and media freedom?

Core reading

Milo & Stein (2013) A Practical Guide to Media Law: Lexis Nexis

Y Burns (2009) Communications Law (2nd edition) Lexis Nexis

Dutch Reformed Church v Rayan Soknunan 2012 (6) 201 GSJ

Hechter v Benade (20595/2016) [2016] ZAGPPHC 1018 ( 5 December 2016)

Heroldt v Willis 2013 (2) 530 (GSJ)

Isparta v Richter 2013 (6) SA 529

Independent Newspaper v Sulliman [2004] 3 All 137 (SCA) (28 May 2004)

Lady Agaism Pereira v Johnnic Publishing Eastern Cape Pty (Ltd)2003 (2) All SA 416 (SE)

Le Roux v Dey 2011 (6) BCLR 577 (CC)

Malema v Rampedi 2011 (5) SA 631 (GSJ) ( 23 July 2011)

Modiri v Minister of Safety and Security 2012 1 All SA 154 (SCA) (28 September 2011)

National Media v Bogoshi 1998 (4) SA 1196 (SCA)

RM V RB2015 (1) SA 270 KZP

Sayed v Editor, Cape Times [2003] 4 All SA 86 (C)

Sokhulu v New Afrika Publications 2002 1 All SA 255

Times Media Ltd v Nisselow [2005] 1 All SA 567 (SCA)

The Citizen 1978 (Pty) Ltd v Mc Bride 2011 (8) BCLR 816 (CC)

Tsedu v Lekota [2009] 3 All SA 46 (SCA)

Essay question

Dr Anglioti “Dr A” expressed on his face book page that some incidents of medical negligence can often be foreseen. Dr A further made an example of his colleague’s misfortune by stating as follows: “ Like in my dear colleague’s case, it was very obvious that she had not exercised the required level of medical care when she prescribed a higher dosage of sedatives and pain-killers to an under-age boy” which led to the young boy suffering from various mental disorders. Dr Signorelli the “mentioned colleague” “Dr S”, who happens to be your client, informs you that her head of department immediately after being aware of the “face book post” notified her that such negative publicity especially on a social media network can ruin their hospital’s reputation. Dr S requires your legal advice on whether she can succeed with a defamation claim against Dr A. You are thus required to draft a legal opinion wherein you advise your client on the presence of the required elements of defamation and the likely court outcome or ruling. Your legal opinion should make reference to applicable case law and the relevance of such case law and legal principles contained therein must be fully discussed and incorporated in your legal opinion.

THEME 3:Privacy

Guiding questions

  • When can one’s right to privacy be said to be infringed?
  • Mention examples of actions constituting the violation of an individual’s right to privacy by the media
  • What is required for one to have a legitimate expectation of privacy?
  • What are the elements of the delict of invasion of privacy?
  • Mention examples of situations which could arguably be said to constitute “the legitimate expectation” of ones right to privacy
  • What is the legal position relating to private facts obtained by unlawful means?
  • Discuss the grounds of justification to an action for invasion of privacy
  • Is there a distinction between the privacy violation of politicians/ other public figures versus less famous citizens?
  • When can public figures “possibly” successfully institute legal proceedings for the publication of their private facts in the media?
  • What are the possible remedies for the violation of one’s right to privacy?

Core reading

Milo & Stein (2013) A Practical Guide to Media Law: Lexis Nexis

Y Burns (2009) Communications Law (2nd edition) Lexis Nexis

Bernstein v Bester 1996 (4) BCLR 449 (CC)

Financial Mail (Pty) Limited v Sage Holdings 1993 (2) All SA 109 (A)

H v W 2013 (2) SA 530 (GSJ)

Johncom Media Investment v M 2009 (8) BCLR 751 (CC)

Malema v Rampedi 2011 (5) SA 631 (GSJ)

MEC for Health Mpumalanga v MNET 2002 (6) SA 714 (T)

National Media v Jooste 1996 (2) All SA 510 (A)

NM v Smith 2007 (7) BCLR 751 (CC)

SAA v BDFM Publishers 2016 1 All SA 860 (GJ)

Tshabalala Msimang v Makhanya 2008 (3) BCLR 338 (W)

Essay question

Nonkuleko Mbeku who is an SRC member of the University of Zululand was asked to assist with the administrative tasks of the department of Philosopy. This meant that she could use the administrator’s office for the day in order to assist with the necessary tasks. Since, it had been a very slow day, Nonkululeko decided to access documents titled “HOD meeting minutes” from the administrator’s desktop. These documents contained valuable information regarding the University’s fee crisis and are thus of a highly confidential nature. Nonkululeko thus saw the opportunity to include details and extracts of these documents in the University’s weekly newspaper as part of her way of sparking a debate on the University’s transformation “policies”. This newspaper piece was later discovered by the University’s Vice Principal who decides to recommend a disciplinary hearing wherein the possible disciplinary measures for Nonkululeko’s alleged invasion into the University’s confidential documents are to be discussed. Advise the University’s disciplinary committee by means of legal memo on their rights with regard to the unauthorised use of the University’s confidential information.

THEME 4: Intellectual property, personality rights, business interests

Guiding questions

  • Discuss the relevance of section 12 of the Copyright Act with regard to the right to freedom of expression
  • Which media works are eligible for copyright protection in terms of section 2 of the Copyright Act?
  • How can an infringement of a copyright take place in the media?
  • Discuss section 12 (Copyright Act) exemptions of certain actions that would constitute an infringement of copyright
  • Discuss the relevance of section 21 (1) of the Copyright Act with regard to copyright ownership and authorship
  • What constitutes a personality right? How can such right be infringed by/ in the media?
  • How can a trademark infringement take place in the media?
  • Discuss relevant case law pertaining to the dismissal of employees involved in “employer” defamation on social media networks

Core reading

Milo & Stein (2013) A Practical Guide to Media Law: Lexis Nexis

Y Burns (2009) Communications Law (2nd edition) Lexis Nexis

Ashdown v Telegraph Group Limited 2001 4 All ER 666

Beurain v Martin (2014) 35 ILJ 2443 (LC) 16 April 2014

Cele v Avusa Media 2013 2 All SA 412 (GSJ)

Cell C v Prokas (40921/2014) (2014) ZAGPJHC 430

Flocutt (Pty) Ltd v Eisenberg (3592/2016)[2016] ZAFSHC 200 ( 20 October 2016)

Fraser – Woodward Ltd v BBC & Brighter Pictures Ltd 2005 EWHC 472 (Ch)

Fredick v Krisray v Jo Barkett Fashions [2012] 1 BALR 28 CCMA

Hubbard v Vosper 1972 (1) All ER 1023

Julia Basetsana Khumalo v Cycle Lab (Pty) Ltd 2011 ZAGPJHC 56 ( 17 June 2011)

Laugh if off Promotions CC v South African Breweries International 2005 (8) BCLR 743 (CC)

Media Workers Association of South Africa obo Mvemve v Kathorus Community Radio 2010 31 ILJ 2217 (CCMA)

O Keeffe v Argus Printing & Publishing Co Ltd 1954 3 All SA 159 (C)

R v Innes 1925 CPD 161

SABC v Via Vollenhoven 2016 4 All SA 623 (GJ) ( 2 September 2016)

Sedick v Krisray (Pty) Ltd [2011] 8 BALR 879 (CCMA)

Time v Warner Entertainment CO LP v Channel 4 Television Corp Plc 1994 EMLR 1

Verimark v BMW 2007 (6) SA 263 (SCA)

Essay question

Dr Gloria Ntengu who is a human rights lecturer at the University of Phalaborwa Whilst interviewed on 702 Radio expressed her dissatisfaction towards alleged “racist approaches” followed by the University with regard to the fees must fall protests. Dr Ntengu uttered the following words: “the minute the University acknowledges that not all of us have white privilege then the issue of exorbitant fees will be appropriately addressed”. This did not obviously sit well with her employer, who is currently in the process of instituting legal action against Dr Ntengu. Advice Dr Ntengu by means of an e-mail on the prospects and the possibilities of her being dismissed from the institution as a result of her comments made on radio. Your answer should make reference to applicable legal authority.

THEME 5: Judicial publicity and contempt of court

Guiding questions

  • Explain the right to open justice with regard to media access and publication of court trial proceedings;
  • Does the media have a legally recognised right to have access to and to report court proceedings?
  • Discuss exceptions to the general rule of open courts/justice;
  • List legally recognised instances where the media may be restricted of the access and reporting of court proceedings
  • Discuss the relevance of the Multichoice v Pistorius judgment with regard to media participation in court trials and the right to open justice
  • Discuss cases highlighting possible criterion used by courts before permitting media access and publication of court trials
  • When can, the media be guilty of contempt of court? Discuss relevant cases to clearly substantiate your answer
  • What are the various forms of contempt of court which the media be held liable for? Discuss relevant cases in elaborating on the various forms of contempt

Core reading

Milo & Stein (2013) A Practical Guide to Media Law: Lexis Nexis

Y Burns (2009) Communications Law (2nd edition) Lexis Nexis

Els v Weideman2011 2 All SA 246 (SCA)

E-tv v Judicial Service Commission2010 (1) SA 537 (GSJ)

Johncom Media Investments Ltd v M2009 (8) BCLR 751 (CC)

Media 24 Limited v National Prosecuting Authority in re S v Mahlangu2011 (2) SACR 321 (GNP)

Midi Television v Director of Public Prosecutions2007 (9) BCLR 958 (SCA)

Multichoice v Nationa Director of Public Prosecutions 2014 (1) SACR 589 (GP) (25 February 2014)

Prinsloo v Bramley Children’s Home2005 (2) SACR 2 (T)

SABC v National Director of Public Prosecutions2007 (2) BCLR 167 (CC)

S v Baleka 1986 4 All SA 428 (T)

S v Geiges 2007 (2) SACR 507 (T)

S v Kotze[2013] ZAGPPHC ( 15 July 2013)

S v Mamabolo2001 (5) BCLR 449 (CC)

S v Manqina1994 (2) SACR 692 (2)

S v Zululand 1985 1 All SA 37 (N)

Essay question

Discuss the below scenario/s with regard to the court orders made to protect certain persons during. Your answer should make reference to applicable legal authority and should further motivate the advantages and disadvantages of such orders/decisions.

  • “The name and image of a man accused of luring two children away from a school holiday care centre and sexually assaulting them have been suppressed by a Perth magistrate. After hearing argument from the prosecutor, the defence lawyer and a lawyer representing the media, Magistrate Joe Cicchini suppressed the publication of the man's name, his image and anything that might lead to him being identified”.
  • “A MAN accused of raping children as young as six years old has had his identity protected for fear of embarrassment to his family.The Prestons man, 61, appeared at Campbelltown Court yesterday on 18 charges, including aggravated sexual assault against a child under 10 and possession of child abuse material. Yesterday in court, the Director of Public Prosecutions applied to have the suppression order on the man’s identity lifted but was denied by Magistrate Robert Rabbidge, due to a “concern about the embarrassment and risk of harm to the family, given the way people view these offences”.The order was made so as not to prejudice the ongoing investigation into the matter”.
  • “A 12-year-old boy charged with raping a 3-year-old girl has been released from detention, allowing him to attend Lamberton Middle School.Up until the point that a child pleads guilty or is convicted of a crime, Friend said, "no information is provided to the school district about that child or those charges."
  • “what happens when a child accused attains majority during criminal proceedings or where a teenager is convicted turns 18 and there is a pending appeal? Be a man!” Judge President Frans Kgomo reportedly told the near-18 year old as the Judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison for each of the three murder counts (for the murder of Deon Steenkamp, his wife Chantel Steenkamp and their 14-year-old daughter Marthella); 12 years for raping Marthella Steenkamp; and four years for defeating the ends of justice. The Griekwastad murderer is said to be appealing his sentence – but may he be identified until after the appeal is finalised”?

THEME 6: Hate speech, criminal defamation, Hate crimes Bill, State Info Bill, Personal Info Bill