Law lesson week 1

As part of the third year we have our media law course to refresh of memories of the law and any updates since the first course in year 1. So in the first lecture of the term we covered the basics; what we should know. This included defamation, contempt, privacy, justifications for defaming a person, qualified and absolute privilege, public interest, the Reynolds defense, fair comment, Chatham house rules and freedom of information. These subjects will all be covered over the year in much more detail to confirm our understanding of the issues around these terms. 

So to start we took a look at the fatal error system applied by Winchester Journalism to ensure that we avoid any legal issues without justification and as a result pass our course.

The fatal error system includes the following 6 points which should be avoided when publishing any material:

1. Malice- Something untrue, for revenge or to destroy a person's reputation. 

2. Dishonesty- Saying something that is false, an incorrect story for example. Any conflicts of interest should             be stated.

3. Causing disrepute.

4. Reckless inaccuracy in basic expression.

5. Legal problems without justification.

6. Regulatory problems without justification. 

Over the course we should also ensure the following points;

1. Balance in our stories- disinterestedness

2. A development of contacts

3. Professionalism

4. 100% factual accuracy 

5.Up to date, working knowledge or law and media regulation.