Mc Nae's essential laws for Journalists: Chapter 1 UK Constitutional Law

Journalists have the creative freedom to express there views and opinions to the general public in order to keep them updated about the latest news and current affairs in the UK


According to Lord Bingham in 2000 he stated that the media were "the eyes and the ears of the public to whom they report". It proves that the media truly are the main source of information to give the general public the key incite into the main news stories. However it is vital that all journalists abide by the laws that have been set out to protect us.

We must keep a constraint on the actions of journalists to ensure we are not caught in any case of civil or criminal law. If we produce a piece of journalism that in any way defames a person we may be liable to be sued for defamation of character. A prime example of this was the libel case of Max Mosley vs. News Group Newspapers Limited in 2009. 

An article in The News of The World brought allegations upon former FIA President Max Mosley claiming he had taken part in Sadomasochist activities with four prostitutes. The main vocal point of the allegations was that there was a "Nazi" element to the activities that had taken place. This was denied by Mosey and the Prostitutes involved. 

The libel case that followed conducted by Mr Justice Eady awarded £60,000 in damages to Mr Mosley.The main reason for this was the significant breach of criminal law and contervailing public interest generated by an established principle such as victimisation of the youth. 

This brings into context the ethical rules that all journalists must follow. Journalists must keep to the "code of ethics" recognised by all professional journalistic and regulatory bodies such as the Press Complaints Commission. One of the main common elements is the harm limitation principle. It states that when a journalist gathers information needed for their story. They must consider whether the information they have gathered should be reported and if so how?

I feel that The News of The World in the case of Max Mosley did not realise the harm and moral discomfort they caused Mr Mosley and the implications that affected Mr Mosley's professional and personal life after the trial. Due to the allegations Max Mosley's reputation was destroyed within Motor Sport and ultimately led to his resignation as FIA president at the end of his term in 2009.  


I have realised as journalists there are many laws that protect us from making vital mistakes and publishing something that may affect someone's personal life and could lead to legal action. However I can think of many occasions where a journalist has exploited these law in order to obtain a story, even though it is extremely unethical. 


I hope to learn more about the laws that all journalists need to follow closely and to ensure I learn not to make mistakes that could lead to legal action.