'A refreshing complement to more venerable textbooks. Indeed, being both reflective and accessible, it is arguably a better first resort for aspirant hacks' Times Higher Education Supplement
'It is written in a clear and user-friendly style, avoiding the legalistic language that can be a problem with so many law textbooks. Particularly well written are the case studies that Ursula Smartt explains in each chapter' - Writing Magazine
Media Law for Journalists functions as both an introduction and a reference guide to the main legal issues facing journalists. It is intended as a course textbook for students, first and foremost. However, it is also intended to help keep journalists out of jail and on the right side of the law.
The book presumes no prior legal knowledge, but covers all the relevant areas including: defamation, privacy, contempt of court, freedom of expression, and intellectual property. It also looks at the difference between the English and Scottish legal systems as they pertain to the media.
This book will be essential reading for all students of journalism as well a welcome guide to professional journalists.