Thursday, November 27, 2003

WELCOME TO STUART'S BROADCAST LAW 101



Lesson 1: Contempt of Court.

This preserves the integrity of the legal process and safeguards the dignity of the court. The greatest risk to the reporter is by publishing material which might sway a juror and thereby prejudice a fair trial.

A person can be found guilty of contempt by publication or broadcast, regardless of intent, where a substantial risk of serious prejudice or impediment to proceedings is caused and where proceedings are active.

Full marks, then to Shropshire-based radio station Beacon FM for their nuanced understanding of this absolutely fundamental tenet of broadcast law.

In next week's lesson....Libel: Can you call someone a wanker on air and get away with it?

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