Background:
The representation of sport in contemporary society, its identity issues and economic importance have created three problems which have led to legal changes and new judicial practices. The course will look at sport and violence, among participants and at big events; sport and drug taking, in both the professional and amateur worlds; and sport and corruption, which has come with professionalisation.
Approach:
The subject will be approached through presentations and lectures followed by Q&A sessions. It will consider changes in the law governing liability, the problems of public order and public health, and the most significant criminal trials. These illustrate the growing tendency to refer sports-related offences to the courts, which have to deal with cases in which the defendants may also be witnesses and vice versa.