fandomhigh | Journalistic Integrity (Wednesday, January 25

"Good afternoon, children. Mr. Barbossa - I heard the announcement yesterday. It's only libel if it's in print, dearie. You might want to ask the principal about slander, though I still rather think you'd have a case if we worked at it."

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances," Rita recited. "That's from your country's constitution. The bit we're going to look at is the 'or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press' part.

"This amendment was written because at this country's inception, citizens demanded a guarantee of their basic freedoms. Without this, American media would be in a spot of trouble. Protesters could be silenced, the press could not criticize government, and citizens could not mobilize for social change."

Rita smiled.

"So, does that mean we can say what we'd like, in this country? It rather seems to say as much. But that's not the case, is it?" She surveyed the class. "These rights guaranteed by the First Amendment - when are the times in which this right to free press is challenged? Can any of you think of instances?"

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Veronica signs in, looking rather worse for the wear. She's dressed in very comfortable clothes and is moving carefully. There may also be a faint bruise on her throat/neck.

"There was a recent case where a reporter faced jail time for refusing to name a source that leaked confidential government information," Veronica says. "I think that, in that situation, matters of national security take precedence over the right to free speech."

Janet walks into the room after class, moving stiffly. She holds out a copy of her excuse note for missing classes for the rest of the week. "Sorry, Professor Skeeter," she says, wincing and shifting her weight. "I'm not feeling well and won't be able to make it to class this week. Is there any work I'll need to make up?"

"Perfectly fine, Ms. Fraiser. What's wrong?" Rita asked, almost sounding concerned.

"National security aside, what about things that might reflect negatively on the government?" Rita asked.

Callisto signs in.

"If something is true and the reporter has solid evidence, I don't think they should withhold it just because it reflects negatively on the government."

"Bruised ribs," said Janet. She shrugged. "Sitting in a desk without pain will be impossible for a few days. I should be able to be in class next week, though."

Alanna signed in. Her bag moved.

"Well, if somebody started planning an assasination attempt I think there would be problems."

Chloe signs in.

"Exactly," Chloe followed. "If a reporter's story puts lives in danger, whether it's one or two lives, or an entire city or state, then there needs to be a question as to how important it is for them to tell that story, and whether it's worth the risk."

"When the press prints false stories as fact?" Callisto suggested "That kind of abuse leads to laws restricting what they can and can't print."

Logan signs in. He's got a bruised eye.

"Libel and slander wouldn't be covered, would they? A reporter who says things that are both false and malicious could be sued and they couldn't claim First Amendment protection," Logan said.

Barbossa signed in. Not at all skittishly.

"I be sure I be on firm legal ground, thank ye," Barbossa said. "It's the less stable ground o' principal wrath that I be fearin'."

He scrunched up his face as he thought about the question. "Governments always seem t' be quick t' jump on the national security issue when they be at war. This can cover up all manner o' abuses under the pretense o' patriotism 'n other rot."

Krycek signed in.

"As Barbossa pointed out, when at war the government uses that as a fairly heavy-handed excuse - anything that might demoralize the people or send them into a panic, loss of national security, things like that," Krycek said. "There are times when it can be well-used, but equally as often it's improperly done in order to keep themselves looking clean."

Journalistic Integrity (Wednesday, January 25 - 6th period)

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