Ethical and Legal Key Terms Learn the jargon

Ethics A system of moral principles Usually not a criminal case if an ethical principle is broken; may it may lead to job termination

Composite Character Fictional characters a news writer creates by using characteristics of several real people. This practice is frowned upon by ethical journalists.

Credibility The ability to inspire belief and trust Loss of credibility can lead to losing sources and stories

Libel Written defamation; damaging false statements against another person or institution that appear in writing or that are spoken (broadcast) from a written script.

Prior Review The practice of reviewing material in advance of publication for the purpose of approving or disapproving content

Objectivity The ability to make fair, neutral observations about people and events

Right of Reply The opportunity for permitting a person criticized in a story to respond to that criticism in the same story

Plagiarism The taking and using as one’s own the writings or inventions of another person

Slander A damaging false statement against another person or institution spoken or broadcast

Privileged Statement Statements made on the floor of Congress, in the state legislature, or in a courtroom that, if published, are immune from libel suits.

Fair Comment A libel defense to protect a journalist’s expressed opinion of public figures or reviews of books, records and the like

In Loco Parentis The legal idea that school authorities act “in the place of a parent” and assumes a parent’s rights, duties and responsibilities. This idea was stuck down in the Tinker case.

Forum Theory The idea that once a forum (or place where ideas are exchanged) is created, the ideas expressed there cannot later be controlled.