Writing Ethics and Copyright Flashcards

The copyright term for a work created by an individual author in the US today generally lasts:

Answer: Life of the author plus 70 years

For works created by individual authors after January 1, 1978, US copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.

Which scenario most clearly qualifies as fair use when quoting a copyrighted poem?

Answer: Quoting two lines in a critical book review

Quoting a brief portion for criticism or commentary is a classic fair use, especially when it does not substitute for the original.

A writer fabricates a quote and attributes it to a real expert in a published piece. This violates which core ethical principle?

Answer: Accuracy and truthfulness

Fabricating quotes violates the fundamental journalistic and professional writing principle of accuracy, and can also constitute defamation.

Creative Commons licenses allow rights holders to:

Answer: Grant specific permissions while retaining copyright

Creative Commons licenses let creators retain copyright while granting specific, standardized permissions to the public for reuse.

A writer uses AI to generate a full article and submits it under their own byline without disclosure. The primary ethical concern is:

Answer: Misrepresentation of authorship and transparency

Submitting AI-generated content as one's own work without disclosure misrepresents authorship and deceives editors and readers.

A journalist promises a source anonymity, then names them in the article under editor pressure. This breaches which ethical duty?

Answer: Confidentiality of sources

Protecting promised source confidentiality is a foundational journalistic obligation; violating it endangers sources and damages press credibility.

Which factor is NOT one of the four statutory fair use factors courts consider?

Answer: The author's nationality

The four fair use factors focus on purpose, nature, amount, and market effect; the author's nationality is irrelevant to this analysis.