POL3702 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2023 (Answers)
questions answered:
The media is considered to be the most effective way of holding the police accountable
to the community that they serve. The police also view the use of media as an effective
way to keep the public informed about the issues ...
Section 205 subpoena refers to a legal mechanism that allows law enforcement agencies
to compel the production of documents or information from media organizations, including
journalists, in the course of their investigations or legal proceedings. This provision has
been a topic of debate as it pertains to the delicate balance between press freedom and
law enforcement's need for information during criminal investigations.
The media plays a crucial role in holding the police accountable to the community they
serve. By reporting on police actions and potential misconduct, the media can shed light
on important issues and foster transparency. However, when law enforcement needs
specific information, such as unpublished materials or confidential sources, they may seek
to obtain it through a Section 205 subpoena. This can raise concerns about the protection
of journalistic sources and the potential chilling effect on investigative reporting.
In some jurisdictions, there have been efforts to establish shield laws that grant journalists
limited protection from being compelled to disclose their sources or unpublished materials.
These laws aim to strike a balance between law enforcement's needs and preserving
press freedom. However, the scope and effectiveness of such laws can vary significantly
from one jurisdiction to another.
Police Provision Relating to Section 205 Orders:
The specific provisions relating to Section 205 orders can differ depending on the
jurisdiction and the applicable laws. In some cases, the police may need to demonstrate a
compelling need for the information they are seeking, showing that it is relevant and crucial
to their investigation or legal case.
For example, they may need to establish that the information cannot be obtained through
other means or that it is essential to protecting public safety or national security. Moreover,
some jurisdictions may require the police to exhaust all reasonable efforts to obtain the
information voluntarily from the media before resorting to a Section 205 subpoena.
The media's role in holding the police accountable goes beyond reporting on individual
incidents of potential misconduct. Investigative journalism often delves into systemic
issues within law enforcement, exposing patterns of behavior and uncovering institutional
problems that require attention and reform. Such reporting can lead to increased public
scrutiny and demands for accountability from both the police department and
policymakers. Studies have shown that communities with robust media coverage of law
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