Course Code: JNAL 5001
Academic Year: 2024-2025
It is imperative that journalists conduct themselves in a responsible, ethical manner and adhere to Canadian law as it relates to journalism. Through the use of case studies, learners will acquire a thorough understanding of criminal and civil procedures and explore important areas of current media law including defamation, contempt of court, publication bans and copyright as well as consent and permission. Students will examine the distinction between what is legally permissible and what is ethically and professionally responsible. Ethical dilemmas will be deliberated and debated with a view to supporting responsible and reflective journalistic practices. Emphasis will be placed on concepts of accuracy, fairness, objectivity versus transparency and conflict of interest. The course will also include reflection on news values and why some stories are told and others are not.