Events Law

Students are required to write a 2,750 word report detailing the main legal issues underpinning the staging of a commercial event – (The event you chose may have been a success, or even a disaster- e.g. Hillsborough Stadium).

The report will focus on the event in terms of market segmentation, business strategy adopted (outline only), as well as the underlying legal and regulatory framework.

Students are asked to assume the role of legal advisor to the event organisers. The project should focus on a maximum of 2 key legal issues/topics, which must be explored in full.

Students are asked to consider which laws apply, (e.g. common law/case law, statute, EU law, and/or any codes of practice), and to draw on current legal theory, journals, newspaper articles, academic texts etc, to give a full account of how the law applies to the staging of your event, and to make recommendations as to how duties can be complied with and liability avoided.

Examples of legal issues to discuss could include: contracts in general/sponsorship/performer agreements/product liability/health and safety/Licensing.

REPORT STRUCTURE

1.Executive Summary:

This section should condense the entire report into a summary of 250 words. It constitutes a report within a report and should provide a thematic overview of the information contained in the body of the paper, and the ultimate recommendations in brief.

It is suggested that you complete the executive summary after you have finished the main report.

2.Introduction

This should familiarise the reader with the nature of the event and go on to mention the issues to be covered.

3.Event Context

The purpose and nature, as well as the market for the proposed event should be discussed briefly. The political and socio-cultural features of the event should also be mentioned.

4.Legal Issues

A maximum of two (2) key legal themes should be tackled in this section.

Using sub-headings, students should aim to explain in clear language to their client, what legal matters may arise and how to avoid any pitfalls or unwanted litigation.

Students must draw on case law, statute and any necessary EU law to support their project. For example, if liability in Negligence were an issue, due to unsafe seating at a rock concert, then relevant regulations and/or examples/cases should be provided.

5.Recommendations

In light of the research, students should provide recommendations as to how the event should be organised, or could have been improved (if a prior event) from a legal perspective, (e.g. better trained and equipped security staff, to comply with new statutory requirements).

6.References and Bibliography

It is expected that textbooks, journals, websites, case law, statute, newspaper reports etc will be consulted.

Students should be aware that the over-liberal use of quotations as a substitute for word count will be penalised.

Do not include print-outs of articles in appendices.

Word-count contained in appendices will not from part of the assessment.

Students should use the Harvard system of referencing.

Plagiarism

Assessment two is an individual piece of work. The writing of your paper must be entirely your own work. Whilst the sharing of research is permitted, sharing of written content is NOT and is deemed as plagiarism and will be treated as an academic offence.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Clear and logical discussion of the issues
evidence of wide and relevant research
concise explanation of the relevant law and effective use of case law where relevant
critical analysis of the issues
demonstrate a detailed understanding of the relevant subject areas
relevant and practical application of the law
ability to reach conclusions and to make recommendations where possible
well written and structured paper with appropriate references and bibliography