The only media law text published in partnership with the NCTJ that provides unparalleled treatment of the core legal issues affecting journalists. Clear, succinct, and practical, it is the absolute handbook for students and practising journalists.
This indispensable handbook prevails as journalism's foremost authority on media law since its inception in 1954.
Key Features
- Authors' combined expertise in media reporting and teaching offers clear, succinct, and accurate detail on core legal issues.
- Published in partnership with the National Council for the Training of Journalists and designed to complement accredited syllabi. This text is also recommended for a broad range of media qualifications.
- Includes a range of features, such as tips on reporting, need-to-know points, and cross references that explore how different elements of the law interact with each other.
- Up-to-date case studies and examples help contextualize difficult areas.
- Online resources accompany the book, including self-test questions to help students test their understanding, online chapters, and additional reading material. Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support.
New to this editon:
- Chapter 3 has been revised in line with new Ofcom guidance on presenting news programmes.
- Chapter 17 reflects the new coroner's Bench Book, including updated guidance on open justice and inquests in writing.
- Chapter 19 now includes a section on the Law Commission's recommendations on contempt by publication when proceedings are active.
- Chapter 32 has been revised and updated to incorporate the 2023 National Security Act.
Part 1: The Landscape of Law, Ethics and Regulation 1: Introduction 2: Press regulation 3: Broadcast regulation 4: Journalism avoiding unjustified intrusion Part 2: Crime, Courts and Tribunals 5: Crime DS media coverage prior to any court case 6: Crime DS categories and definitions 7: Magistrates' courts DS summary cases 8: Magistrates' courts DS the most serious criminal cases 9: Crown courts and appeal courts 10: Children and young persons in court proceedings 11: Anonymity for victims and alleged victims of sexual offences, human trafficking, female genital mutilation and forced marriage offences 12: Court reporting DS other restrictions 13: Civil courts 14: Family courts 15: Open justice and access to court information 16: Challenging in the courts 17: Coroners' courts 18: Tribunals and public inquiries 19: Contempt of court Part 3: Defamation and Related Law 20: Defamation DS definitions and dangers 21: Who can sue for defamation and what they must prove 22: Defamation defences 23: The public interest defence in defamation law 24: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 25: Slander and malicious falsehood Part 4: Confidentiality, Privacy and Copyright 26: Breach of confidence 27: Privacy 28: Data protection 29: Copyright Part 5: Information and Expression 30: Reader's postings and online safety issues 31: Reporting elections 32: National security and official secrets 33: Journalists' sources 34: The risks of being charged with other criminal offences 35: The right to take photographs, film and record Part 6: Online Chapters 36: Other UK jurisdictions 37: The Freedom of Information Act 2000 38: Other information rights and access to meetings 39: Boundaries to expression DS hate and obscenity 40: Terrorism and the effect of counter-terrorism law 41: Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) Appendix 1 The Editors' Code of Practice Appendix 2 Schedule 1 to the Defamation Act 1996
