Week 1 - Assignment Final Research Paper Outline For this ✓ Solved

For this week’s assignment, you will create an outline for your Final Research Paper. Complete the following steps for this outline assignment:

Step One: Review the potential Final Research Paper topics below and select one for your Final Research Paper. Submit the topic as a title page in APA format to the instructor.

  • Modern day protections: Measuring current standards of reporter-source privilege against New York Times vs. Sullivan

  • The blogs have it: Court decisions that thin the line between bloggers and trained journalists

  • “I am innocent”: Exploring the privacy rights of families of criminals

  • Neighborhood watch: Considering the “public” places argument in residential areas

  • News media on trial: Claims of defamation against the industry

Step Two: Create an outline that includes the following criteria:

  1. Identify a specific thesis or central argument for the Final Research Paper.

  2. Address each of the following five main points that will be included in the Final Research Paper:

    1. Explain the historical significance of the topic.

    2. Discuss each of the concepts and/or areas of law that are relevant to the topic.

    3. Identify and discuss at least two court cases in relation to the topic.

    4. Discuss the implications of the issue on the field of journalism.

    5. Write an overall opinion of the issues discussed in relation to the impact on individuals, groups, and society.

  3. Construct the outline according to the outline template in the Ashford Writing Center.

  4. Identify at least one reference for each main point and provide the APA citation for each source. You must use the outline template in the Ashford Writing Center for the completion of the outline.

  5. You must also provide at least five scholarly sources other than the required text in the outline. No more than two of your academic sources may be from the Internet. At least two of the five academic sources must be found in the Ashford University Library.

Research may be modified for the Final Research Paper. Cite your sources as indicated in the sample outline in text and on the reference page following the outline.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: News Media on Trial: Claims of Defamation Against the Industry

1. Thesis Statement

The thesis of this paper posits that while the First Amendment affords robust protections to freedom of the press, the proliferation of defamation lawsuits against media outlets poses a significant threat to journalistic integrity and the essential role of the media in a democratic society.

2. Historical Significance of Defamation in Journalism

The roots of defamation law in the United States can be traced back to English common law, which aimed to protect individuals’ reputations while also balancing the necessity of free expression. Landmark cases such as 'New York Times Co. v. Sullivan' (1964) shifted the landscape by establishing the ‘actual malice’ standard, enabling public figures to prove defamation only if they could demonstrate that statements were made with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth (New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 1964). This case is a cornerstone in establishing the importance of protecting journalistic freedom against unjustified legal claims.

3. Relevant Concepts and Areas of Law

Defamation law encompasses several key areas: libel and slander, public figure versus private figure status, and the burden of proof. Libel involves written defamatory statements, while slander refers to spoken ones. The variation in legal treatment between public figures and private individuals complicates the landscape; public figures face a higher burden of proof in defamation cases, which exists to prevent the chilling effect on free speech (Pember & Calvert, 2013). Moreover, the nuances of jurisdiction and varying state laws create a complex web in which media organizations must navigate.

4. Court Cases in Relation to Defamation

Two significant court cases that address defamation include 'New York Times Co. v. Sullivan' and 'Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.' (1974). In 'Gertz,' the Supreme Court ruled that private individuals only need to prove negligence, thus lowering the barrier for defamation claims. This case highlighted the media's responsibility towards private citizens and emphasized the necessity for a fair balance between protecting individual reputations and freedom of the press (Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 1974).

5. Implications for the Field of Journalism

The rise in defamation lawsuits has profound implications for journalism. A societal trend towards litigation against media outlets engenders a climate of fear that can lead journalists to self-censor—avoiding controversial topics or refraining from thorough investigative reporting to not fall victim to lawsuits (Singh et al., 2019). As such, the chilling effect of defamation claims becomes a pressing concern, undermining journalistic watchdogs and potentially altering public discourse.

6. Opinion on the Issues Discussed

In summary, the complexities surrounding defamation law demand a nuanced understanding of its implications on journalism and society at large. While it is critical to protect individuals from false statements that may damage their reputation, the legal framework should not encroach on the vital role of journalism. Striking a balance between protection and freedom is essential for a thriving democratic society, where the press can operate without undue threat of litigation.

References

  • Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., 418 U.S. 323 (1974).

  • New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964).

  • Pember, D. R., & Calvert, C. (2013). Mass media law. McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Singh, T., Kaur, M., Verma, M., & Kumar, R. (2019). Job satisfaction among health care providers: A cross-sectional study in public health facilities in Punjab, India. Journal of Health Management.

  • Campbell, C. M., & Patrician, P. A. (2020). Generational preferences in the nursing work environment: A dimensional concept analysis. Journal of Nursing Management.

  • Akosah-Twumasi, P., Emeto, T. I., Lindsay, D., Tsey, K., & Malau-Aduli, B. S. (2018). A systematic review of factors that influence youths career choices-the role of culture. Journal of Education and Practice.

  • Banerjee-Batist, R., Reio, Jr. T. G., & Rocco, T. S. (2018). Mentoring functions and outcomes: An integrative literature review of sociocultural factors and individual differences. Advances in Developing Human Resources.

  • Buchbinder, S. B., & Thompson, J. M. (2010). Career Opportunities in Health Care Management: Perspective from the Field. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

  • New Living Translation. (2006). YouVersion Bible App.