NNS 123

This course prepares students for many of the ethical problems they will encounter as professionals and introduces them to the legal framework in which journalism is practiced. Legal themes include defamation, contempt of court, search and seizure, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Ethical themes include fairness, conflict of interest, plagiarism and fabrication, protection of sources. Other considerations will include respect for privacy and freedom of expression. Best practices and guidelines for conduct are introduced, but students are also introduced to philosophical concepts and tools that can aid everyday decision-making. Practising journalists and media lawyers will help students gain command of these various and intersecting issues.