Subjects:

Media and Entertainment Law

Contents:

Section 1: Law and the legal system

1. How law is made

2. The legal system

3. Criminal courts and procedure

4. Civil courts and procedure

5. Human rights and English Law

Section 2: Writing about the Courts

6. Contempt of court

7. Access to the courts

8. General reporting restrictions under the Contempt of Court Act

9. Reporting restrictions in criminal cases

10. Reporting restrictions concerning children

11. Reporting inquests

12. Reporting tribunals and inquiries

13. Challenging reporting restrictions

Section 3: Defamation and Malicious Falsehood

14. Defamation

15. Defences and remedies for defamation

16. Malicious falsehood

Section 4: Privacy, confidentiality and copyright

17. Confidentiality and privacy

18. Trespass and harassment

19. Protecting sources and source material

20. Data protection

21. Copyright

Section 5: Reporting government and business

22. Official secrets

23. Reporting local government

24. Reporting elections

25. Freedom of information

26. Writing about business

Section 6: Race, religion and public order

27. Race and religion

28. Criminal, seditious and obscene libel

Section 7: Broadcasting and photography 29. Television and radio journalism

30. Photography

Glossary

Further reading

Index

Essential reading for students, trainees and practicing journalists alike, Law for Journalists is an exciting new textbook that provides a comprehensive and highly readable guide to everything a journalist needs to know about the law. Written by an award-winning journalist and experienced textbook author, the book uses jargon-free, accessible language and the information in each chapter is presented in a clear, user-friendly order, making it easy to use for initial learning, revision and day-to-day reference.

Extensive use of case examples make it clear how the law operates in practice. 'Law in practice' boxes provide invaluable advice on how to work within the law while following a lead, writing a story and reporting from court. End of chapter summaries highlight the key legal points to be taken from each chapter. A further reading and web links section directs the reader to additional resources and encourages further exploration of topics. 'Test your knowledge' sections at the end of each chapter provide an opportunity for the reader to check their understanding of what they have read.

Diagrams and tables clearly highlight and explain complex legal processes. A glossary fully explains technical legal terms. A useful appendix containing the current Code of Practice of the Press Complaints Commission and a chapter covering the Ofcom Code of Practice provide the reader with the guidelines which they are expected to work within in one handy volume. A clear and attractive colour text design ensures that information is accessible, easy to navigate and enjoyable to read.

This book comprehensively covers the content of most journalism courses including those accredited by the NCTJ. A Companion Website includes extra discussion questions and answer guidance, web links to useful resources online, a glossary and regular updates on major legal developments. Containing essential information for newspaper, magazine, broadcasting and online journalists, this book is an invaluable guide for all journalists and students of journalism.

Whether you are - or plan to be- a news reporter, feature writer, sub-editor or editor, it is packed with useful advice to make sure that you stay on the right side of the law and do your job even better.