BSJ Bachelor of Journalism: Ethics and Legal Principles 2

Question 1

A reporter promises confidentiality to a source, but a judge subpoenas the source's identity. What legal doctrine may protect the journalist?

Accepted Answer

Shield law

Answer

Shield laws, enacted in many states, provide reporters with a privilege to refuse disclosing confidential sources in legal proceedings.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'actual malice' as defined in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)?

Accepted Answer

Publishing with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth

Answer

Actual malice requires proof that the defendant knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard of its truth or falsity.

Question 3

A journalist secretly records a phone call with a source in a two-party consent state without the source's knowledge. This action likely violates:

Accepted Answer

Wiretapping laws requiring all parties' consent

Answer

Two-party (or all-party) consent states require all participants in a conversation to agree to being recorded, making secret recording illegal.

Question 4

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

A voluntary set of principles journalists are encouraged to follow

Answer

The SPJ Code of Ethics is a voluntary framework offering guidance on principles like truth-telling, minimizing harm, and acting independently.

Question 5

Under U.S. copyright law, when a journalist wants to quote extensively from a copyrighted book for a news article, the primary defense available is:

Accepted Answer

Fair use

Answer

Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as news reporting, criticism, and commentary without requiring permission.

BSJ - Bachelor of Journalism Practice Test