Chapter 17 – Discussion Questions
Chapter 17 – Discussion Questions
1. I am really unsure about some of these questions. I believe the answers would only come with experience, gut instinct and time on the job. Of the top of my head I would say that I would not publish the story as it would go against the companies policies and reduce credibility. But it would also depend on what the consequences of suing would be and how good our case was. If we had a good case I would not publish it and deal with the consequences.
2. I think that everyone should have the same rights when it comes to the media. Everyone has a right to a level of privacy and everyone must respect the medias right to inform the public of important matters. If public figures are in the spotlight because of something negative they did then they should deal with the consequences. On the other hand if they are a victim they should be treated with the same respect as any other individual. For these reason I don’t think I would support a defence for the media which would limit the rights of public figures.
3. Yes I would reveal the persons identity in court because despite my low level of understanding when it comes to the legal system I am fairly sure there are laws against withholding information. This means by holding back the name in court we would be in more trouble. If the information given was false and the woman had disappeared perhaps there was a reason, in which case it should be dealt with out in the open. Revealing the name would also take a lot of pressure of the company and strengthen my case.
