Freedom of Speech In New Zealand

Topic Area	Differences in Freedom of Speech on the Internet between the United States and New Zealand
Target Audience	Junior Level Computer Science Students
Activity type	In-class Group Discussion
Time required	The Pre-class activity should take about 20 minutes. The In-Class Discussion/Lecture should take about 50 minutes.
Attachments	New Zealand cartoons about Privacy
Additional materials	New Zealand slides for In-class Discussion/Lecture
Background needed to complete the assignment	Need some basic knowledge of the laws of the United States of America and a sophomore standing in Computer Science.
References	An Index of New Zealand Laws and the effective Constitution New Zealand - Bill of Rights Act 1990 Privacy Commissioner The Office of Film and Literature Classification Broadcasting Standards Authority New Zealand Censorship New Zealand Internet Code of Practice New Zealand Privacy Act
Last modified	2000/07/31

Abstract:

This discussion is part of a larger discussion related to the Freedom of Speech that will span multiple class sessions. This discussion specifically deals with the comparison of how the United States deals with these issues and how New Zealand deals with them.

Goals for the activity:

There are two main goals for this activity. One is to express New Zealand's views toward and laws regarding free speech. The second goal is to raise awareness of the differences between New Zealand's views and those of the United States.

Knowledge / skills / attitudes to be developed (behavioral objectives):

To develop an understanding of how New Zealand regards free speech. To understand the differences and similarities between the views of people from New Zealand and those of people in the United States is also stressed.

Procedure:

Have the students review the New Zealand Laws and Constitution.

Go over the definitions of Freedom of Speech. Go over the laws of the United States and New Zealand.

Split the class into groups to discuss the following topics:
            - Why is there such an emphasis on Freedom of Speech in United States laws?
            - Why does it appear that New Zealand government views this topic as non-issues?
            - Which viewpoint on these issues appears to work better?

After 10 to 15 minutes of discussion in groups, have a group representative state their groupís position on each topic. Follow this with a class wide discussion on the topics.

End class.

Assessing outcomes:

Class ends with the assignment of a short essay asking the student to summarize his/her position on the importance of Free Speech and how he/she feels about how New Zealand and the United States handle the issues.

Additional remarks:

New Zealand's laws on censorship and privacy for the Internet are closely related to the laws governing the media. More information on how New Zealand treats these topics can be found at The Office of Film and Literature Classification, Broadcasting Standards Authority, and New Zealand Censorship. Information about ethics on Internet can be found at New Zealand Internet Code of Practice.

Pre-class Activity:

Read information at:
New Zealand - Bill of Rights Act 1990
Privacy Commissioner
New Zealand Privacy Act

Author contact information:

Scott Turner
E-Mail: scturner@vt.edu Holly Mickelson
E-Mail: hmickels@vt.edu

Ted Hessing
E-Mail: thessing@vt.edu Jeff Nordan
E-Mail: jnordan@vt.edu

M. Sean Hughes
E-Mail: mihughes@vt.edu Rodney Danco
E-Mail: rdanco@vt.edu

Doug Phelan
E-Mail: dphelan@vt.edu

Scott Turner E-Mail: scturner@vt.edu	Holly Mickelson E-Mail: hmickels@vt.edu
Ted Hessing E-Mail: thessing@vt.edu	Jeff Nordan E-Mail: jnordan@vt.edu
M. Sean Hughes E-Mail: mihughes@vt.edu	Rodney Danco E-Mail: rdanco@vt.edu
Doug Phelan E-Mail: dphelan@vt.edu