Test your basic knowledge |

Journalism Law

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Limited decision. Closure of preliminary hearing is unconstitutional in California because they act as mini trials to ensure defendants right to a fair trial. Unique to that state however.






2. In the case where a party challenges the underlying facts that support a trial court's decision - the appellate court must defer to the trial court's view of the facts.






3. Words that may be innocent on face - but facts make story damaging






4. Reading of the charges against a person






5. An invasion of privacy tort which occurs when information about a person's private life is published - and there is not relevant newsworthy tie.






6. The First Amendment protects college students' freedom of expression - and the Hazelwood case should not be applied to college media.






7. As long as speech was about a public official (figure) could not reasonably be construed to state actual facts about its subject - it is protected by the first amendment.






8. A court order preventing a person or group from doing or continuing to do a specific act.






9. If a statement 'results in a material change in the meaning conveyed by the statement -' the person who says it can be sued for libel.






10. A decision of a court that is recognized as an authority in deciding cases which deal with similar or identical questions of law.






11. MI Supreme Court ruled directory information of teachers cannot be disclosed. (home address and phone number)






12. A form of qualified privilege which gives the media the right to publish articles as long as opinions are based on relevent facts. These aretiles include opinion - columns - editorials - book reviews - movie reviews - etc.






13. Michigan is in ____ district court in ____ -____






14. Compensatory damages are a proper remedy to avoid the injustice under a promissory estoppel claim.






15. Failure to obey an order made by the court






16. First Amendment protects media to report information from official records available in open court.






17. For purposes of defamation - a person who has thrust themself into the spotlight and has the power to gain media publicity. these individuals must prove actual malice to prevail in a libel suit






18. Under FOIA - personell records may be released - subject to 'appropriate redactions.'






19. Set the standard in MI that negligence is needed to prove libel - as the legislature had not acted.






20. Reporters have no greater rights than any other citizen - there is no reporter shield from grand jury testifying. If you're attempting to harass - then reporters are protected and do not have to testify.






21. Opinion - privilege - fair comment - truth - constitutional defenses






22. Judge has an absolute duty to ensure fair trial rights. Judge must be able to control what's going on in the courtroom.






23. Truth is only a defense in privacy cases when it's in a case of _______






24. Friend of the court.






25. Have to have an open meeting when interviewing candidates for a public position.






26. If a publication accurately prints something from a false public record document - they cannot be sued for libel.






27. A constructive trust is a proper manner of relinquishing the profits of one who abuses a confidential position.






28. Damages presumed - Falsely accusing someone of a crime - Statements concerning race or political belief - Damaging someone in their business - Ex. calling brain surgeon 'butterfingers'






29. Recognized first amendment right of privacy for private figures against media.






30. School officials can prohibit students from displaying messages that promote illegal drug use.






31. The burden of proof imposed on public officials extends to anyone involved in a matter of public concern - regardless of whether they were famous or unknown.






32. To claim exemption for investigative records - they must show how disclosure would interfere with proceedings. The burden of proof is on the party claiming exemption.






33. Qualified privilege allows newspapers to report on both sides of a story as long as the sources are qualified. Created doctrine of neutral reportage






34. Minor errors do not count as actual malice.






35. The declaration of a final judgment based on the evidence presented






36. Guarantees freedoms of speech - religion - press and assembly.






37. (Privacy)a. Very close to libel - If you're a public official/figure you have the actual malice rule - Portraying someone in a lie - Truth is a defense - Consent is a defense - Public newsworthy event is okay






38. Even though university foundations are privately incorporated - they might be subject to comply with FOIA and OMA if the majority of funding comes from the university.






39. Criminal matters anything less than a year in jail






40. Protects all 'persons' from deprivation of life - liberty or property without due process of law.






41. (privacy) There are areas around you that are a 'zone of privacy'






42. For presidential searches - MI supreme court ruled universities are 4th arm of government - and must conduct search in public.






43. No guarantee of immunity for media ride alongs.






44. Michigan court trials have to remain open. Parts can be closed - but never all of the trial. M.C.L.A 750.520k only applies to pre-trial hearings.






45. Anything punishable by more than a year in jail






46. A person vs. a person (corporation can be a person too






47. Harm done which the law cannot remedy.






48. Lowest court handles: Tickets - civil matter - Misdemeanor - Felonies






49. The First Amendment protection for students does not require a public school to print speech when they can justify their decision by stating it is lewd - indecent or offensive - or have legitimate pedagogical concerns.






50. Spoken defamation which causes injury to a person's reputation