Court Beat

While reporting a criminal case, a reporter must place all the facts chronologically. Give background information where necessary.

A ‘felony’ is a crime of graver nature than a ‘misdemeanour’ and is an offense punishable by imprisonment or death.

‘Misdemeanour’ is an offense punishable by fine or imprisonment.

A reporter’s usage of appropriate terms is essential.

Pretrial developments: Before a trial, reporters publish stories that summarizes past developments and inform readers of news information.

A ‘protective order’ is a judicial mandate ordering the press to refrain from disseminating specific information or ordering those associated with the trial or investigation not to discuss the case with the press.

Reporters must diligently follow the testimony in long running major trials. One has to spend several hours each day in the courtroom, because one cannot predict what will happen. There is no substitute for being in court, always looking for the most interesting, most significant developments.

Attribution is also important when reporting by testimony. It is absolutely essential that quotations be accurate and the readers be made aware of who is making statements or articulating opinions.

Reporters – report pre-sentence hearing, sentence hearing, appeal, the aftermath (after the appeal)- can also write analysis and feature articles on criminal cases- here the damage extends beyond the courtroom drama- must keep their eyes and ears open to pick on relevant, informative & interesting items for reporting to readers.

Dealing with Sources- Should strive to be on first name basis with sources to establish familiarity. Must be able to develop a reliable network of sources. In addition, must gain the respect of judges & lawyers.

The sources may be secretaries, public information officers, clerks, record-keeping personnel, lawyers, judges etc.

Sources can help alert reporters to new cases & to developments in ongoing cases. Sources should be cultivated and never taken for granted.

Experience can help reporters deal with sources. Sometimes, sources will supply less than essential for their own political gain- reporters must be discerning- experience helps reporters recognize the motive of sources.

Civil Cases: ‘Briefs’ ( they are written reports in which lawyers set forth facts that support their positions) are filed in civil suits. Reporters must periodically check court dockets that record progress in specific cases. All complaints filed, motions made and other developments in a case are recorded chronologically on a docket.

Reporters must decide which of the civil suits are important and constantly check court dockets for developments.

Essential elements of stories on civil suits should tell who is bringing the suit (the plaintiff) and who is being sued (the defendant), should tell when the suit was filed & identify the parties as felly as possible. Should provide background on the circumstances that brought about the suit; should give specifics on the damages sought, should give the defendant’s response to the complaint, should attribute all information. Whenever information comes from court records, make it clear to the readers.

Learn the judicial system; learn the record-keeping system. Use complete names and double check facts.