Media in Law Reform

Question 1

Differentiate between methods of traditional media and social media. (2 of each)

Answer 1

Traditional media
1. Newspaper
2. Televison
Social Media
1. Blogs
2. Applications such as IG or FB

Question 2

What is the reason for using media in general to influence law reform

Answer 2

Using media allows people to communicate and influence people that they would otherwise not be able to reach or network with, which can allow for the larger awareness to support a legal change or reform

Question 3

ADV of Media in law reform (3)

Answer 3

1. Media provides numerous ways for individuals, organisations and groups to gain support for their desired law reform, as they are likely to be able to spread awareness more efficiently.
2. Media enables the general public to more easily communicate and interact with politicians which can help in spreading their messages and ideas for change faster
3. Media is accessible to almost anyone as long as they own some form of technological device or live in a town with newspapers.

Question 4

DISADV of Media in law reform (3)

Answer 4

1. Information on social media mostly can portray complex legal issues in a simplistic way. This means individuals may make decisions about law reform without having a basic understanding of the issue involved.
2. Usually there is opposition to the issue and therefore can also be included in the media. If there is a larger scope of awareness there can be more opposition.
3. Media can have bias or false information which means that some legal matters may not be taken seriously when considering law reform