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. For purposes of divorce - there may be some elements of a public person's private life that make them a private figure.






2. In an invasion of privacy tort - an action that characterizes a person falsely. Often the person is misrepresented by quoting out of context - the careless use of photos or cutlines - or by using a picture from one story as a picture for another.






3. Undercover efforts by news organizations could be prosecuted not for defamation - but possibly for things like breach of duty or loyalty.






4. Civil cases when the amount in dispute is less than $25 -000






5. 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.






6. No absolute right of access to members of the media. Can be restricted within reason.






7. Failure to obey an order made by the court






8. There is a First amendment right of access to trials


9. A reporter has a qualified privilege to report on controversial matters of public interest using reputable sources.






10. Reconfirmed that you cannot censor news media and its coverage unless theirs a clear and present danger.






11. The Sixth Amendment rights of a defendant outweigh the First Amendment of the press in cases where the press can have prejudicial outcome of the defendant's trial.






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






13. (privacy) Ex. Beyonce has a thing of Ocean Spray orange juice. Ocean Spray uses the photo as a marketing campaign. Beyonce could go after them.


14. Prevents ISPs from liability except on copyright.






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






16. If a quote is altered - in order for a publication to be sued the plaintiff must prove the meaning portrayed in altered quote is dramatically different than the actual quote






17. 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.






18. No liability for publishing information that was lawfully obtained.






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






20. 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






21. What is shot in public place is fine - but if there is intrusion on physical solitude it is not protected.






22. Publication of private matters that violate ordinary decency - 2. Intrusion on physical solitude - 3. False light - 4. Appropriation of another's likeness for commercial profit - 5. Right to publicity






23. 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.






24. The OMA does not allow public bodies to bypass the law by closing meetings or doing round robin phone calls. universities are not exempt from FOIA in cases of public records.






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






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






27. Upon the request of the counsel or the victim - you can order that the names of the victim and actor and details of the alleged offense be suppressed until such time as the actor is arraigned - the charge is dismissed - or the case is otherwise concl






28. (privacy) a. Because of who you are - you have a right to profit from your image b. Endorsements






29. Money damages awarded to the injured party as compensation for a specific loss






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






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






32. 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.






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






34. There is a first amendment right of access to the public to cover and attend trials.






35. When you have a private figure plaintiff - even though state standards controls - if it's a matter of public concern - the burden of proof shifts from the defendant who no longer has to prove truth - to the plaintiff who has to prove falsity of what






36. If you get the information from outside sources - you can publish it. MCL 750.520k does not constitute an unlawful prior restraint on publication. Rather - the statute directs that the court file be withheld from the public






37. Reading of the charges against a person






38. in an invasion of privacy tort - an action which occurs when an individual's expectation of privacy or right to be left alone is breached. EX. A reporter lies about his identity to gain access to information they couldn't under normal conditions.






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






40. First Amendment protects even false statements about the conduct of public officials except when statements are made with knowledge that they are false or in reckless disregard of their truth or falsity. (actual malice)






41. Anything punishable by more than a year in jail






42. Institutes procedures to ensure every citizen has the right to access government documents - as well as the right to inspect and receive copies of records from state and local government bodies.






43. This protects the media from liability of defamatory statements made during official proceedings. The published story must be a fair and accurate account of what happened.






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






45. US Supreme court allows inquiry into a reporters state of mind when making decisions about what to include and what not to include.






46. If you obtain material from a third party illegally - media are still protected and can publish.






47. Broadcasters are immune from liability if political candidates defame someone while under section 315






48. If you knowingly run ads that advocate criminal activity - you can be held liable. Got off on the first case - but on the second case they should have known better.






49. Innocent and negligent misstatement in a newspaper are protected under constitutional freedoms of speech and press.






50. NYT actual malice rule is extended form just public officials to include public figures