1. MODULE 3: RESPONSIBILITY

2. 12 3 Responsibility Student journalists on the yearbook staff should follow important legal and ethical GUIDELINES. AS RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISTS, STAFFS HAVE OBLIGATIONS. LEGAL DECISIONS HAVE AFFECTED STUDENTS’ RIGHTS. STATEMENTS OF POLICY CAN ESTABLISH GUIDELINES.

3. 12 3 Responsibility The foundation of our democratic society, the FIRST AMENDMENT protects the rights of all citizens. First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

4. 12 3 Responsibility LIBEL is a type of speech not protected under the Constitution. LIBEL IS A FALSE PRINTED STATEMENT THAT DEFAMES A PERSON’S GOOD NAME. TRUTH IS A DEFENSE AGAINST A CHARGE OF LIBEL. INTENDING A JOKE IS NOT A DEFENSE.

5. 1 3 2 Responsibility COPYRIGHT and trademark protection may restrict the publication of material belonging to others. MATERIAL THAT BELONGS TO SOMEONE CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT LAW PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS TO CONTROL THE USE OF THEIR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. CERTAIN MATERIAL SUCH AS TITLES, PHRASES AND SLOGANS CAN BE TRADEMARK PROTECTED. YEARBOOK STAFFS MUST GET PERMISSION FROM THE OWNER.