Press Law and Ethics contest (NSMC 11)

11: PRESS LAW AND ETHICS (ON-SITE)

Students enter as individuals and take a test that assesses their knowledge and understanding of scholastic press law and ethics. This contest will include either a matching or multiple choice section and short-answer and essay sections covering First Amendment issues, landmark cases and ethical decision-making for members of the scholastic press. Complete the written portion in ink on your own 8.5-by-11-inch lined paper. The total time for the contest, including passing out materials and giving instructions, is two hours. Contestants are not allowed to use a cellphone.

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Pens (erasable ink acceptable). Optional: correction fluid, eraser, electronic spell checkers, dictionary, thesaurus.

WHAT THE JUDGES WILL LOOK FOR: Judges will look for a comprehensive understanding of media law and ethics as they apply to the scholastic media. They will also evaluate the contestants’ ability to apply the law and Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics to situations.

NSMC policies

• One student per school may enter this contest.
• Students are required to bring all the supplies listed for this contest.
• This on-site contest will compete 4-6 p.m. Friday of the convention. Consult the convention program book for the specific room assignment. Late entry to the room is not allowed, so students should plan to arrive early with required supplies.