NCTJ Essential Media Law Practice Test

Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 provides important statutory protection for journalists, ensuring that they can maintain confidentiality regarding their sources of information when reporting on matters of public interest. This protection is crucial as it allows journalists to investigate and report without fear of being compelled to reveal their sources, which can sometimes discourage whistleblowing or the sharing of vital information that serves the public interest.

This legal provision acknowledges the role of the media in a democratic society, as it encourages the free flow of information and protects the rights of the public to access information about matters that may affect their lives, ensuring that journalists are not unduly hampered in their duties by the threat of legal action against them for protecting their sources.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the intent of section 10. For example, defamation lawsuits pertain to slander and libel, which are handled under different legal provisions. Protection for individuals accused of crime typically relates to their right to a fair trial, rather than the role of journalists. Lastly, copyright infringement is governed by intellectual property laws, not the Contempt of Court Act. Thus, the focus of section 10 is specifically centered on the safeguarding of journalistic sources and the broader implications