Available now — a revised and updated edition exploring the latest precedents on defamation, protecting confidential sources, invasion of privacy, publication bans, legal restrictions on social media and more.
(Banner image above: Supreme Court of Canada building, Ottawa)
Now in its 4th edition and with a new title, Media Law in Canada (Emond Publishing) explores the legal and ethical constraints on the work of journalists, editors, writers and other content creators. Dean Jobb, a journalist, author, journalism professor and recognized authority on media law, examines day-to-day scenarios, challenges and issues — from defamation laws and using anonymous sources to copyright, invasion of privacy and publication bans — and offers practical advice on what can be published without breaching laws or violating professional ethical standards.
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Using real-life examples and discussions of both criminal and civil law and court rulings, this revised and updated reference guide (former title: Media Law for Canadian Journalists) explains the rationale behind restrictions on the media, how these laws and limits have been interpreted, and what they mean for how media practitioners do their jobs.
Features
Presents essentials of the Canadian justice system, including the structure of Canadian courts and tribunals.
Updates core areas of media law based on key recent decisions.
Includes photographs, new table of cases cited, and an expanded index.
Uses a simple, direct writing style, combined with numerous historic and current cases, scenarios, and legal precedents.
Outlines a proactive model of media law, stressing how to publish while staying out of legal trouble.
Examines freedom of expression and the Charter.
Offers important tips on reporting criminal cases and pitfalls to avoid.
Presents coverage of ethics and professional responsibility.
Includes a glossary of terms.
Contents
Part I: Freedoms and Limits
Chapter 1: Freedom of Expression in Canada
Chapter 2: Understanding Defamation
Chapter 3: Defences to Defamation
Chapter 4: Cyber-libel: A Primer for Digital Reporting
Chapter 5: Using Freedom of Information Laws
Part II: Reporting on the Justice System
Chapter 6: Justice System 101
Chapter 7: Understanding Criminal and Civil Law
Chapter 8: Covering the Criminal Courts
Part III: Restrictions on Coverage of the Courts
Chapter 9: Publication Bans and Contempt in Criminal Cases
Chapter 10: Publication Bans in Youth Courts and Other Proceedings
Chapter 11: Access to Hearing and Documents
Part IV: Legal and Ethical Duties
Chapter 12: Dealing with Sources
Chapter 13: Restrictions on Reporting and Publishing the News
Chapter 14: Copyright
Chapter 15: Journalism Ethics and Professional Responsibility
““Extraordinarily complete …. The author’s deep understanding of journalism and the law has resulted in a superb and highly accessible guide to a complex topic. This is the book we’ve been waiting for.” ”
““A very thorough resource that covers all aspects of media law using plain language .... The new thought-provoking discussion questions that follow each chapter are a great addition.”
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““(A) book that newsrooms and journalism schools can ill afford to do without. Jobb has done an excellent job of providing a resource that helps make sense of the legal world journalists inevitably encounter.” ”
““An invaluable tool for every investigative reporter, and indeed for anyone practising journalism in Canada …. This is an important book, and whether you’re a professional journalist or an occasional blogger, you won’t regret getting a copy.” ”
““I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Dean Jobb has done a terrific job of producing a clear, practical and accurate legal guide for journalists – one that will help you write more informed stories and stay out of trouble. I wish I’d had this text as a resource when I started out as a reporter years ago, but I’m sure glad we have it in our newsroom now.” ”
““An excellent text, and the only law book I could prescribe for undergraduate or graduate journalism students.” ”
““Thorough and practical …. Dean Jobb’s book has really filled a need in Canadian Journalism Schools.” ”
““A must-read for journalists … crisp writing devoid of stultifying legal jargon ….The second edition of Media Law for Canadian Journalists deserves to be within easy grasp on your bookshelf.” ”