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Free Legal Advice
We knew we'd hook you with that
headline, but it's not far from true. The New
York State Bar Association is out with the new edition
of its Legal Handbook for New York State Journalists, available
for just $35.
Even on deadline, it is possible to get
a quick read on key legal terms and issues. |
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The handbook, published by NYSBA
in
conjunction with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication
at Syracuse University and the New York Newspaper Publishers
Association, is available to news editors, reporters, directors,
and journalism instructors.
Professor Jay Wright of the S.I. Newhouse School, the editor
of the book, stresses that it is "written for journalists,
not lawyers. Each chapter is self-contained and subjects are
indexed for easy reference."
The new version contains 24 chapters
and describes law and cases involving libel, journalist's privilege,
problems associated with reporting on juveniles and youthful
offenders, access to places, cameras
in the courtroom, how to cover the courthouse, and state and
federal FOI
and open meetings laws.
The more than 200-page-long handbook has life-saving details
such as explanations of terms used to describe particular types
of court proceedings journalists may need to understand on short
notice, for example a "Huntley" or a "Wade"
hearing.
The book also features a list
of Web sites to rely on when it comes to accurately demystifying
the law.
It's a great source, but just
a beginning, when it comes to the especially thorny issues, according
to Wright.
"The handbook isn't a substitute
for good legal advice from media counsel," says Wright.
"But it does provide enough information so that reporters,
news
directors and editors will know the kinds of questions they ought
to ask their lawyers, when in doubt."
To get your copy of the Legal Handbook for New York State Journalists,
write a check for $35, payable to the New York State Bar Association
and mail your request to: Juli Robinson, New York State Bar Association,
One Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207. Questions? Write to bcarr@nysba.org. |