Free Bachelor of Journalism: Ethics and Legal Principles Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Can a source, who was previously a gang member and is concerned about her safety, ethically receive ____ while keeping her identity confidential?

anonymity (Correct answer)
immunity
the right to review
control of the story

Correct answer: anonymity

Anonymity is the practice of concealing a source's identity, which is crucial when a source fears for their safety. Ethically, journalists grant anonymity to protect vulnerable individuals and encourage them to share important information without personal risk. Immunity, the right to review, or control of the story are different concepts not directly related to protecting a source's identity in this context.

Question 2: What term best describes the use of "According to the Our town Gazette, Friday's power outage was due to a traffic collision that took down a power pole" in your writing?

fabrication
scrutiny
attribution (Correct answer)
plagiarism

Correct answer: attribution

Attribution in journalism means clearly crediting the source of information, as demonstrated by the phrase 'According to the Our town Gazette.' This practice is fundamental for journalistic ethics, ensuring transparency, allowing readers to verify facts, and avoiding plagiarism. It establishes the credibility and origin of reported information.

Question 3: When mistakes are present in published media, what is the appropriate approach for correcting them, and how should attention be handled in such situations?

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)
Maybe
None of these

Correct answer: FALSE

It is a fundamental ethical principle in journalism to promptly and transparently correct any mistakes found in published media. Failing to correct errors undermines the credibility of the publication and erodes public trust. Therefore, the statement implying that correcting mistakes is not the appropriate approach is false.

Question 4: Is it ethical for a journalist to guarantee the school's football coach that she will portray the team positively in her story in return for receiving information?

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)
Maybe
None of these

Correct answer: FALSE

It is unethical for a journalist to promise positive coverage in exchange for information. Such an agreement creates a clear conflict of interest, compromising the journalist's independence, objectivity, and commitment to reporting the truth fairly. Journalists must maintain impartiality and avoid any actions that could bias their reporting.

Question 5: Which of the following best describes the situation where a student writes an article in the school newspaper containing baseless rumors about a teacher at their school?

libel (Correct answer)
slander
lies
obscenity

Correct answer: libel

Libel refers to defamation that is published or broadcast in a permanent form, such as a newspaper article. Spreading baseless rumors about a teacher in a school newspaper constitutes written defamation. Slander, in contrast, is spoken defamation.

Question 6: What term best describes the situation when a student, standing before a sizable audience in the cafeteria, engages in spreading false rumors about an ex-boyfriend?

lies
obscenity
libel
slander (Correct answer)

Correct answer: slander

Slander is spoken defamation, meaning false and damaging statements made verbally to a third party. When a student spreads false rumors about an ex-boyfriend 'standing before a sizable audience in the cafeteria,' this is an act of spoken defamation. Libel, conversely, refers to written defamation.

Question 7: What characteristics or actions would lead to something being classified as obscene?

offends local standards (Correct answer)
makes your grandma blush
is said in front of children
makes someone mad

Correct answer: offends local standards

Obscenity is legally defined by the Miller test, which includes whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest. Therefore, offending local or community standards is a key characteristic in determining if something is legally obscene. The other options are subjective or not legally precise.

Question 8: Which landmark Supreme Court case established the standard for free speech within schools, involving two students who protested the Vietnam War by wearing armbands to school?

Morse v. Frederick
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
Tinker v. DesMoines (Correct answer)
Bethel vs. Fraser

Correct answer: Tinker v. DesMoines

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) is the landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed students' First Amendment rights to freedom of speech in public schools, stating they do not 'shed their constitutional rights... at the schoolhouse gate.' The case specifically involved students wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War, establishing that symbolic speech is protected unless it causes a substantial disruption.

Question 9: Which Supreme Court case affirmed that school administrators possess the authority to regulate or censor school newspapers under specific circumstances?

Morse v. Frederick
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (Correct answer)
Bethel vs. Fraser
Tinker v. DesMoines

Correct answer: Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) is the Supreme Court case that granted school administrators the authority to regulate or censor school-sponsored student publications. This ruling allows censorship if it is 'reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns,' significantly limiting student press freedom compared to the protections established in Tinker v. Des Moines.

Question 10: Which of the following rights are safeguarded by the First Amendment?

Freedom of Press
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Religion
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution safeguards several fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. It also protects the right to assemble peacefully and to petition the government. Therefore, all the listed rights are protected by this amendment.

Question 11: What is the essential requirement that must be demonstrated to file a defamation lawsuit?

That your reputation was damaged (Correct answer)
That people agreed with them
That it hurt your feelings
That the person meant to insult you

Correct answer: That your reputation was damaged

To successfully file a defamation lawsuit (whether libel or slander), the plaintiff must demonstrate that the false statement caused actual harm to their reputation. While hurt feelings or an intent to insult might be present, the legal standard requires proof of tangible damage to one's standing in the community or profession. Without reputational damage, a defamation claim typically fails.

Question 12: Is it true or false that ethics and morals are the same thing?

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)
Maybe
None of these

Correct answer: FALSE

Ethics and morals are related but distinct concepts. Morals are typically personal principles of right and wrong, often derived from individual beliefs, upbringing, or religion. Ethics, on the other hand, are a system of principles or rules adopted by a group, profession, or society to govern collective behavior, such as journalistic ethics. Therefore, they are not the same thing.

Question 13: What serves as the foundation or basis for morals?

a gut feeling
if it is legal or not
personal standards (Correct answer)
community standards

Correct answer: personal standards

Morals are deeply personal beliefs and values that guide an individual's sense of right and wrong. They are often shaped by one's upbringing, culture, religion, and personal experiences, forming an individual's internal compass for behavior. While influenced by external factors, their foundation lies in personal standards.

Question 14: What forms the basis for ethics?

a group standards of right and wrong (Correct answer)
personal standards of right and wrong
if it is legal or not
a gut feeling

Correct answer: a group standards of right and wrong

Ethics refers to a set of principles or rules that govern the conduct of a particular group, profession, or society. Unlike personal morals, ethics are often formalized and shared, providing a framework for collective behavior and decision-making within a specific context, such as a professional code of ethics. They represent a group's consensus on right and wrong.

Question 15: Which ethical standard is exemplified by offering context, being cautious not to misrepresent or oversimplify while promoting, previewing, or summarizing a story?

Act Independently
Be Accountable and Transparent
Seek Truth and Report It (Correct answer)
Minimize Harm

Correct answer: Seek Truth and Report It

Offering context, being cautious not to misrepresent or oversimplify, and promoting accuracy are all core tenets of the 'Seek Truth and Report It' ethical standard in journalism. This principle emphasizes accuracy, fairness, and thoroughness in reporting to ensure the public receives reliable and complete information. It guides journalists to be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting, and interpreting information.

Question 16: Which ethical standard involves weighing the public's need for information against the possibility of causing harm or discomfort?

Act Independently
Be Accountable and Transparent
Minimize Harm (Correct answer)
Seek Truth and Report It

Correct answer: Minimize Harm

The 'Minimize Harm' ethical standard requires journalists to weigh the potential negative impact of their reporting against the public's need for information. This involves considering the privacy, welfare, and sensitivity of individuals involved in a story, especially vulnerable sources, while still fulfilling their duty to inform. It's about being compassionate and responsible in reporting.

Free Bachelor of Journalism: Ethics and Legal Principles Questions and Answers

Can a source, who was previously a gang member and is concerned about her safety, ethically receive ____ while keeping her identity confidential?