The Law & Morality: Part Two

Journalism exists within a minefield of legality.

In the introduction to Pearson's chapter, he writes "The journalist's relationship with the law is occasionally precarious, sometimes liberating, usually comfortable, and almost always negotiable".

A journalist's individual position and particular assignment will have an impact on their relationship with the law.

Journalists have not much more legal rights than the average person.

As has been explored in previous The Theory of Journalism... blogs, although journalists have many similarities with profession fields such as lawyers and doctors, they do not enjoy the same legal privileges.

Throughout all the pieces of legislation that affect journalists, the "public interest" defence is never far away.

In Australia, freedom of speech is not explicitly protected as it is in the USA through the American Bill of Rights.

For this reason, Australian journalists are at much greater risk of defamation action than their American counterparts when dealing with individuals and their reputations.

Legal problems can also arise when journalists report on court matters.

A solid grounding in law (or a lawyer best-friend) is a growing necessity for the modern journalist.