Media Law for Journalists

Front Cover
SAGE, Jul 18, 2006 - Language Arts & Disciplines - 326 pages
′A refreshing complement to more venerable textbooks. Indeed, being both reflective and accessible, it is arguably a better first resort for aspirant hacks′ Times Higher Education Supplement

′It is written in a clear and user-friendly style, avoiding the legalistic language that can be a problem with so many law textbooks. Particularly well written are the case studies that Ursula Smartt explains in each chapter′ - Writing Magazine

Media Law for Journalists functions as both an introduction and a reference guide to the main legal issues facing journalists. It is intended as a course textbook for students, first and foremost. However, it is also intended to help keep journalists out of jail and on the right side of the law.

The book presumes no prior legal knowledge, but covers all the relevant areas including: defamation, privacy, contempt of court, freedom of expression, and intellectual property. It also looks at the difference between the English and Scottish legal systems as they pertain to the media.

This book will be essential reading for all students of journalism as well a welcome guide to professional journalists.

 

Contents

Introducing the features
4
The English and European legal systems
11
Privacy and human rights
57
Selfregulatory bodies
83
Contempt of court
114
Juveniles and the law
139
Defamation
161
Intellectual property
213
Scottish legislation
231
Glossary of British parliamentary and legal jargon
272
The PCC Code of Practice 2005
294
Bibliography
304
Table of statutes
310
Index
318
Copyright

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About the author (2006)

Ursula Smartt is senior lecturer at the School of Law, Faculty of Professional Studies, Thames Valley University

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