Journalists are just like every other citizen, they are not exempt from the law and are subject to abide by the law. Journalists receive no special treatment when in court, many have been jailed over publishing inaccurate information about someone. (defamation)
Laws that have made an exception for Journliasts are few and include the Trade Practices Act - Which exempts mainstream news organisations from laws prohibiting misleading and deceptive conduct in their content other than advertising. Another example is a 1997 amendment to the Evidence Act 1995.
The study of Law and Ethics equips journalists to apply their new found knowledge to work situations. It enables the journalists to understand the consequences of the choices they make.
Media Law and Ethics are important for journalists on at least three counts:
- Responsibility - Journalists in Australia are endowed with a freedom to publish which is much greater than that allowed by many other societies.
- Self-Protection - Ethical and Legal mistakes can prove costly for journalists. It can ruine their reputations and destroy their lives financially.
- Professionalism - Allows a journalist to test the boundaries of the law.
In 2011 a Former Gangland lawyer sued the Herald and Weekly times for implicating her in a murder that occurred in 2004 - Read more here.
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