Covering the Courts: A Handbook for Journalists

by S. L. Alexander

Overview

News coverage of law can be a daunting task for any journalist, especially in a time when public interest in media coverage of the courts has greatly intensified. The second edition of Covering the Courts provides the most up-to-date resources for journalists and students. Detailed descriptions of each step of the judicial process along with tips from top journalists allow for a comprehensive analysis of courtroom activities. This handbook also addresses the complex issues surrounding the free press/fair trial controversy, pre-trial publicity, and the various types of news coverage allowed across the country. New discussions include recent high-profile trials such as US v Microsoft, the 2000 presidential election, and cases relating to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. This book is a substantial resource for journalism students and journalists covering the modern legal system.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780585471570
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	09/08/2004
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	184
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

S. L. Alexander is a journalist and coordinator of communications law at Loyola University, New Orleans.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 The Judicial System
Chapter 4 Criminal Procedure
Chapter 5 Civil Procedure
Chapter 6 Criminal Cases: Pre-Trial Coverage
Chapter 7 Criminal Cases: The Trial
Chapter 8 Criminal Cases: Post-Trial Activity
Chapter 9 Civil Cases
Chapter 10 Cameras in Courtrooms
Chapter 11 Covering the Courts
Part 12 Codes of Ethics
Part 13 Canons, Standards, and Rules
Part 14 Guidelines for Coverage

Editorial Reviews

In light of the poor coverage of high-profile trials of the past few years, former journalist Alexander (communications law, Loyala U., New Orleans) offers advice on responsible reporting for both print and broadcast media. First she overviews the judicial system and discusses the unavoidable conflict between the notions of fair trial and free press. Then she details criminal procedure to help reporters put events into a larger perspective. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

A must-read for any reporter whose beat might include the courts. Alexander methodically steps the reader through the processes in clear, concise style. Starting with an overview of the fair trial/free press conflict built into the First and Sixth amendments, she uses current examples from high-profile trials to illustrate how the courts and media have collided. Alexander's book is comprehensive without being overwhelming for the journalist who needs to learn about this field.” —Judicature

From the Publisher

A must-read for any reporter whose beat might include the courts. Alexander methodically steps the reader through the processes in clear, concise style. Starting with an overview of the fair trial/free press conflict built into the First and Sixth amendments, she uses current examples from high-profile trials to illustrate how the courts and media have collided. Alexander's book is comprehensive without being overwhelming for the journalist who needs to learn about this field.

Judicature