Data Protection

What is media-solicitors.co.uk

Welcome to www.media-solicitors.co.uk. 

This site is designed to give you the basics on areas of law having a direct relevance to journalists. If you need further legal help, the facility can also put you through to a local solicitor who can advise you on defending yourself in court over issues such as defamation and contempt. If you do not have an immediate deadline, but have a piece of copy which needs ‘legalling’, you can also submit this. However, we do advise that you check charges with the solicitor before proceeding and advise on whatever deadline you have. We cannot accept responsibility for any delays in legalling a piece of copy.

We hope this facility will be of continual use as the law can be a real minefield for any reporter, and unless you use all your legal knowledge regularly, you can become rusty on certain areas. Browsing through the sections of media-solicitors should help you keep your memory refreshed.

It is always worth pointing out that it is best to be safe than sorry and check your legal position before going to print or air. Some editors might take a ‘publish and be damned’ standpoint on some stories, but if your company’s bank balance is not very healthy, this could end with deep financial problems.

It is also worth noting the fact that the law is always changing and new acts are continually having an effect on the way a report is written. Perhaps the widest effect will be felt by the European Convention on Human Rights. This comes into effect in the UK under the Human Rights Act 1998 on 2^nd October 2000.

Journalists working in Scotland should be aware of how the law differs. For details on general legal issues north of the border, have a look at our www.scotland-solicitors.co.uk web site.