Category / Law and ethics

FeatureHow do publication bans work and why are they imposed? CBC News Online tackles these and other questions about restrictions on media coverage of court cases. By John Bowman and Justin Thompson.

BackgrounderIn the simplest terms, “copyright” means “the right to copy.” Only the owner of copyright – usually the creator of the work – can produce or reproduce the work, or permit anyone…

AnalysisVancouver media lawyer David Sutherland explores how defamation law applies to the brave new world of the Internet.

CommentaryCBC lawyer Daniel Henry makes the pitch for camera access to Canada’s courts.

This section contains information, advice and commentary on legal issues that affect how journalists do their jobs.

NewsYoung offenders handed an adult sentence for serious crimes not only lose the right to remain anonymous; they should expect pre-sentence and psychological reports filed with the courts to be made public.…

NewsThe Canadian Association of Journalists opposes the Edmonton Police Service’s attempt to seize a reporter’s research into a high-profile murder case. “Journalists are not agents of the state, and police should not…

CommentaryA Toronto Star editorial backs proposals to improve media access to the Ontario courts. Journalists could be allowed to use tape recorders to take notes in the courtroom, and the Internet may…

NewsBritain’s House of Lords has ruled that publishing or broadcasting a report on a matter of intense public interest or importance is not defamatory, even if the story turns out to be…

CommentaryIn an editorial, the Toronto Star explains why it joined forces with major Canadian and American news organizations in June 2006 to challenge a publication ban on the bail hearings of 17…