Journalists and the Law provides you with detailed knowledge and discussion of the many areas of law that you are likely to encounter as a journalist on a daily basis. It brings you straightforward guidance on areas such as the courts and court reporting, the regulation of the media,freedom of information and copyright, and includes useful analysis of how the courts balance freedom of expression with the rights of the individual. Complex areas of defamation, privacy and contempt of court are covered, including important recent changes to the law of defamation, so that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Make sense of the law * Gives you a general overview of the legal system and the legal profession, looking specifically at the courts and court reporting * Focuses on areas of the law that are of most interest to you in your day-to-day work, such as Defamation and Contempt * Analyses the impact that the European Convention on Human Rights Act has had on journalism and the law * Includes a useful glossary of terms for quick reference In-depth coverage of defamation * Discusses the Defamation Act 2009 and explains the influence that this legislation has on how a journalist reports on what happens in court * Includes a key chapter on Tactics in Litigation, providing journalists with a strategy when dealing with defamation litigation and outlines new defences that are available since the 2009 Act * Clarifies how to approach defamation litigation depending on whether the alleged defamatory statement was made before or after January 1st 2010 NEW TO THIS EDITION * Detailed coverage of the changes introduced by the Defamation Act 2009 including: The new tort of defamation; New defences of "fair and reasonable publication"; The opportunities arising in the "offer to make amends" * Discussion on the role of the Press Council * Expanded chapters on Copyright and Freedom of Information * A brand new chapter on Privacy Her Honour Judge Yvonne Murphy is a Circuit Court judge. Donal McGuinnessis a practicing barrister.