Covering the Courts: A Handbook for Journalists

Covering the Courts fills a great need in the journalism field that the extensive coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial exposed in all forms of media. This handbook provides a guide for those journalists covering the courts in America by detailing the knowledge and techniques necessary to report on the courts effectively and responsibly. The author presents an overview of the judicial system, focusing on the unavoidable fair trial/free press conflicts and criminal procedure, so that journalists can gain the necessary perspective for accurate coverage, since criminal cases are estimated to make up as much as one half of typical news coverage in newspapers and on television. Because of this, an in-depth description of the process of covering all aspects of criminal trials is included, as well as specific suggestions for improving coverage. In addition, the author deals with civil cases, the crucial matter of courtroom cameras, and also provides tips and suggestions from many working journalists. The author also provides a glossary of legal terms designed for journalists, and appendices that include a journalistic code of ethics, judicial and bar canons, and standards and samples of guidelines for the use of cameras in the courts.