Ethics and Responsibilities of Journalists in Legal Reporting

Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Legal reporting is a specialized domain within journalism that requires navigating ethical, professional, and legal complexities to ensure accurate, fair, and responsible dissemination of information. This paper investigates the ethical principles governing journalists who report on legal matters, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, fairness, and confidentiality. It examines the challenges legal journalists face, including the intricacies of the legal system, the risks of misrepresentation, and the delicate balance between public interest and individual privacy. The paper also highlights best practices, such as rigorous fact-checking, neutrality, and the protection of sources. Ultimately, it argues for a nuanced and principled approach to legal journalism, underscoring its vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the justice system.

Keywords: Legal Reporting, Ethical Journalism, Confidentiality, Media Accountability, Public Trust.

CITE AS: Nyiramukama Diana Kashaka (2024). Ethics and Responsibilities of Journalists in Legal Reporting. IDOSR JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION AND ENGLISH 9(3):1-5. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JCE/93.15.202400