The following document consists of a Media Law exam, with both answers and questions.
Both questions and answers concern the British Media Regulation and references to the book Essential Law for Journalists.
This exam's responses were graded 74% out of 100%.
Solent University
BA (Hons) Journalism
JOU405, Media Law
Time Constrained Assessment, Spring 2021
Grade: A4
QUESTIONS
Part one
Section A (20 marks)
1) Define absolute privilege
2) In which criminal court would you find district judges?
3) What category of criminal offence is common assault?
4) What three conditions must be met in a libel case if you are going to claim the
defence of honestly held opinion?
5) What category of law do county courts deal with?
Section B (20 marks)
Leading fashion designer Giuseppe Vespa is on trial at the Old Bailey on a charge of
the murder of his business partner and lover, Henry Fortune. During the
prosecutions counsel’s opening speech, a woman in the public gallery shouts:
“Vespa is as guilty as hell. I have already posted pictures on Twitter of him standing
in the dock and I’ve tweeted to say is guilty.”
The woman is removed, the judge tells the jury to ignore her interjection and the
case proceeds.
, Later, after that day’s proceedings, you recognise one of the jurors in the car park
outside. You ask him for his opinion of the case so far and on the woman who
interrupted. You tell him you intend to add these to your report later.
a) What can you report about the woman who shouted from the public gallery and
why? What legal risks does she face, if any?
b) Which details can you report from your interview with the juror and why?
c) What does the law say about journalists tweeting from court as part of everyday
court reporting activity?
Section C (20 marks)
A 17 year old schoolgirl is charged with the murder of an elderly man aged 68) It is
said the man was trying to stop a fight outside a school and was pushed and he fell
and hit his head and subsequently died.
a. What court will the case commence in and in what court will the trial be heard in?
Will reporters be allowed into report the proceedings?
b. What restrictions or court orders are likely to apply?
c. Explain the issue of “jigsaw identification” and how this could be relevant in this
case.
d. The victim’s son wants to speak to you about his father to talk about the father’s
life as a soldier and to highlight how easily a push and a blow to the head can
lead to death. What contempt issues arise?
Section D (20 marks)
8. What Ipso/Ofcom and legal issues arise in the following situations?
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