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. Friend of the court.






2. 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.






3. An order issued by the court to prevent attorneys and witnesses from discussing the case outside the courtroom - or reporters from publishing information obtained during a court proceeding.






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






5. 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






6. The First Amendment protection for students does not require a public school to print speech when they can justify their decision by stating an educational purpose.






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






8. The right of an individual to a speedy trial by an impartial jury - to be informed of the changes against them - to confront witnesses - the right to have compulsory proceedings to obtain witnesses in their favor - and the right to have assistance of






9. 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






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






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






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






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






14. 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.






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






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






17. Written defamation which causes injury to another's reputation






18. Police have to disclose incident report records. Do have to keep submitting FOIAs.






19. 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.






20. 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.






21. 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






22. Newspaper must have known material falsity - material falsity became standard of proof in Michigan.






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






24. Harm done which the law cannot remedy.






25. Any communication - true or false - which exposes a person to hatred - ridicule or contempt. the person's reputation is harmed or damaged






26. 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.






27. No guarantee of immunity for media ride alongs.






28. Permission given by SCOTUS to allow a case to be appealed






29. hearing where the judge decides whether or not there is sufficient evidence to prove a crime. In michigan - takes place in district court






30. Minor errors do not count as actual malice.






31. Enforced freelancer/copyright actions - and publishers who were doing more than compile the stories had to pay the reporters. Electronic publications (putting it online) makes it a new publication.






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






33. 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.






34. 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






35. Published work of copyrighted material is a violation and isn't protected under Section 107 as 'fair use.'






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






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






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






39. 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)






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






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






42. Newspapers do not have an equal time requirement like broadcast has.






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






44. Guarantees people the right to be secure in their homes and property against unreasonable searches and seizures. Also protects against the issuance of a warrant without probable cause.






45. Criminal matters anything less than a year in jail






46. Only in Massachusetts - you can close a preliminary hearing if the case is a sexual assault case.






47. (Privacy) Ex. Kim Kardashian's sex tape






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






49. Statements of opinion that could be perceived as defamation need to be based on reliable evidence.






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