Legal And Ethical Issues Of Online Journalism Part 1

1. Choose the keyword that best matches the example. A journalist discovered a cover government operation to smuggle hostages out of a war zone. He refrained from publishing the story until the hostages had fled so as to help maintain the safe return.

Censorship

Self censorship

Both A & B

Neither A nor B

The correct answer is "Self censorship". In this scenario, the journalist refrained from publishing the story in order to protect the safety of the hostages and assist in their safe return. This act of self-restraint in publishing sensitive information is considered self-censorship.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Self censorship". In this scenario, the journalist refrained from publishing the story in order to protect the safety of the hostages and assist in their safe return. This act of self-restraint in publishing sensitive information is considered self-censorship.

2. Choose the keyword that best matches the example.A newspaper publishes an article on its website concerning a convicted criminal currently waiting to be seen on trial-by-jury. The article discloses his previous convictions.

Contempt of court

Injunction

Both A & B

Neither A, nor B

The correct answer is "Contempt of court". This is because publishing information about a convicted criminal who is awaiting trial can be seen as interfering with the administration of justice and could potentially prejudice the trial. This act is considered contempt of court, which refers to any action that disrespects or obstructs the authority or proceedings of a court. An injunction, on the other hand, is a court order that prohibits a person or entity from taking a particular action. In this case, an injunction would not be applicable as it is the act of publishing the article itself that is the issue, rather than a specific action that needs to be prohibited.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Contempt of court". This is because publishing information about a convicted criminal who is awaiting trial can be seen as interfering with the administration of justice and could potentially prejudice the trial. This act is considered contempt of court, which refers to any action that disrespects or obstructs the authority or proceedings of a court. An injunction, on the other hand, is a court order that prohibits a person or entity from taking a particular action. In this case, an injunction would not be applicable as it is the act of publishing the article itself that is the issue, rather than a specific action that needs to be prohibited.

3. Choose the keyword that best matches the example.A lifetime reporting restriction was made on the media to prevent it from disclosing the whereabouts or identity of a released prisoner.

Professional privilege

Injunction

Contempt of court

Non of the above

The correct answer is "Injunction". An injunction is a legal order that prohibits a person or entity from doing something. In this case, a lifetime reporting restriction was imposed on the media, preventing them from disclosing the whereabouts or identity of a released prisoner. This restriction can be seen as an injunction, as it is a court order that prohibits the media from engaging in certain actions.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Injunction". An injunction is a legal order that prohibits a person or entity from doing something. In this case, a lifetime reporting restriction was imposed on the media, preventing them from disclosing the whereabouts or identity of a released prisoner. This restriction can be seen as an injunction, as it is a court order that prohibits the media from engaging in certain actions.

4. Choose the keyword that best matches the example. Ms Bank has suspicion to believe that Mr Smith is making fraudulent transactions through his business. She reports this to the police.

Defamation

Professional Privilege

Injunction

Self Censorship

The correct answer is Professional Privilege. Professional Privilege refers to the legal protection that certain professionals, such as lawyers or doctors, have to keep their communications with clients confidential. In this case, Ms. Bank, as a professional in the banking industry, reports her suspicion to the police, which suggests that she is exercising her professional privilege to disclose information that would otherwise be confidential.

Explanation

The correct answer is Professional Privilege. Professional Privilege refers to the legal protection that certain professionals, such as lawyers or doctors, have to keep their communications with clients confidential. In this case, Ms. Bank, as a professional in the banking industry, reports her suspicion to the police, which suggests that she is exercising her professional privilege to disclose information that would otherwise be confidential.

5. Choose the keyword that best matches the example..A reporter confirms on media broadcast that Ms Jones, a supermodel, is a recovering alcoholic.

Libel

Defamation

Slander

All of the above

The correct answer is "Libel." Libel refers to a false statement about someone that is published or broadcasted, damaging their reputation. In this example, the reporter's statement about Ms Jones being a recovering alcoholic could potentially harm her reputation if it is false. Therefore, it would be considered libelous. Defamation and slander are also related to making false statements about someone, but they have different legal implications. Defamation typically refers to false statements made in written or printed form, while slander refers to false spoken statements.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Libel." Libel refers to a false statement about someone that is published or broadcasted, damaging their reputation. In this example, the reporter's statement about Ms Jones being a recovering alcoholic could potentially harm her reputation if it is false. Therefore, it would be considered libelous. Defamation and slander are also related to making false statements about someone, but they have different legal implications. Defamation typically refers to false statements made in written or printed form, while slander refers to false spoken statements.