Covering the Courts: A Handbook for Journalists / Edition 2

by S. L. Alexander

Overview

Covering the Courts fills a great need in the journalism field that the extensive coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial exposed in all forms of media. This handbook provides a guide for those journalists covering the courts in America by detailing the knowledge and techniques necessary to report on the courts effectively and responsibly. The author presents an overview of the judicial system, focusing on the unavoidable fair trial/free press conflicts and criminal procedure, so that journalists can gain the necessary perspective for accurate coverage, since criminal cases are estimated to make up as much as one half of typical news coverage in newspapers and on television. Because of this, an in-depth description of the process of covering all aspects of criminal trials is included, as well as specific suggestions for improving coverage. In addition, the author deals with civil cases, the crucial matter of courtroom cameras, and also provides tips and suggestions from many working journalists. The author also provides a glossary of legal terms designed for journalists, and appendices that include a journalistic code of ethics, judicial and bar canons, and standards and samples of guidelines for the use of cameras in the courts.

Author Biography: S.L. Alexander is Assistant Professor of Communications at Loyola University in New Orleans and a former television producer and reporter, and newspaper editor.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900742520225
Publication date:	02/25/2003
Edition description:	2nd Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

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