Nevada Press Association The best in Nevada journalism since 1924
Nevada’s open meeting law may be found in Chapter 241 of Nevada Revised Statutes. “In enacting this chapter,” the law says, “the Legislature finds and declares that all public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of the law that their actions …
Read More »Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics Preamble Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts …
Read More »Reporters Legal Handbook
Introduction This book is not primarily designed as a reference for lawyers. It is intended to give you, the reporter and editor, a quick and dirty explanation of how the legal system works, how to deal with it, and what to do when it doesn’t foster press freedom. It is …
Read More »Access to information
2A: Open Records 2A1: Nevada’s Open Records Law Nevada’s Open Records Law is found in Chapter 239 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Extensive revisions were submitted to the 1993 Legislature based on hearings before an interim subcommittee. The revisions were designed to provide more certainty regarding record definitions, to create …
Read More »How to deal with closed records
When you are denied access to what you believe should be a public record you should get and keep certain information: 1.) What precisely did you request? (The best record is a request letter, like one available here). 2.) When and where did you make the request? 3.) To whom …
Read More »Glossary
Answer: A civil pleading in which a defendant admits, denies or otherwise responds to the claims made by a plaintiff in a complaint. It may also contain affirmative defenses; conclusions which state a legal basis for defeating the plaintiffs claims. Bail: The release of a prisoner in return for the …
Read More »Electronic coverage of courts
NEVADA SUPREME COURT RULES PART IV RULES ON ELECTRONIC COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS Rule 229. Definitions and scope. 1. Definitions. (a) “Judge” means the particular judge, justice, or judicial officer who is presiding over the public proceeding, or his or her designee (e.g., Public Information Officer, Clerk or Court Administrator). (b) “Proceeding” means any trial, …
Read More »Rights of student journalists
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that high school student editors and reporters do not have the same level of First Amendment Rights in dealing with school authorities, as do professional journalists. The Court held in Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S, 260 (1988), that school districts’ censorship of …
Read More »If you must testify …
8A: Testifying At Deposition What Is A Deposition? A deposition is the taking of testimony in an informal setting. It is used by lawyers to test witnesses (including parties), to see how they will do in court, and to try to determine the facts surrounding a case. At the beginning …
Read More »Other claims against the press
7A: Breach Of Contract If you intentionally or negligently reveal the identity of a source to whom you have promised absolute confidentiality, you may be subjected to a claim for breach of contract. While Nevada law has not made this determination, the United States Supreme Court has held that the …
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