The career of being a journalist is often wrought with issues, be it legal or ethical. In this week's presentation, the issue of defamation and the sub-judice system is being thoroughly explored by the presenters.
Firstly, defamation. There are two types of defamation to be found which are slander and libel, and they are the spoken and written acts which causes a negative impression on an individual by the public. This is a serious case as at times when journalists word sentences in a particular way that seems innocent enough, it can be taken in a different context depending on the perspective of the reader. Wording sentences that can be taken as insinuation is also something to be wary of lest you find yourself getting sued.
The other issue that was discussed is the sub-judice system. The purpose of this system is to ensure a fair trial for an accused person without any form of insinuation or prejudice, also known as to avoid a "trial by media". Words are powerful things and phrasing things in certain ways can cast a positive or negative light on people, and this will undoubtedly sway the opinion of those involved in court and trial cases I.e the jury in Western court. So during the sub-judice period, there is a limitation on how much journalists can report on the case and the accused. If found to have breached the laws revolving the sub-judice period, the journalist in question is liable to be held in contempt of court and will be punished accordingly.
Journalism is serious business.
Firstly, defamation. There are two types of defamation to be found which are slander and libel, and they are the spoken and written acts which causes a negative impression on an individual by the public. This is a serious case as at times when journalists word sentences in a particular way that seems innocent enough, it can be taken in a different context depending on the perspective of the reader. Wording sentences that can be taken as insinuation is also something to be wary of lest you find yourself getting sued.
The other issue that was discussed is the sub-judice system. The purpose of this system is to ensure a fair trial for an accused person without any form of insinuation or prejudice, also known as to avoid a "trial by media". Words are powerful things and phrasing things in certain ways can cast a positive or negative light on people, and this will undoubtedly sway the opinion of those involved in court and trial cases I.e the jury in Western court. So during the sub-judice period, there is a limitation on how much journalists can report on the case and the accused. If found to have breached the laws revolving the sub-judice period, the journalist in question is liable to be held in contempt of court and will be punished accordingly.
Journalism is serious business.
