1. Ethical and Legal Key Terms
Learn the jargon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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.

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

13. 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.

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