NCTJ media law course exam questions and answers graded A+ 2024/2025

NCTJ media law course exam questions1.a. Name two sources of law - correct answer Precedent and statute. Precedent - a previous decision in a previous case that must be followed in similar cases. Statute - a written law passed by a legislation body. 1.b. In which court would a student sue a landlord for return of their £600 deposit? - correct answer Civil court as it is to sort out a financial disagreement. Compensation is arranged at civil courts. 1.c. In which criminal court are defendants normally represented by barristers in a trial? - correct answer High court since barristers deal with serious and high profile cases. The barrister pleads the case on behalf of the client and their solicitor 1.d. In a civil case, what does the term 'held liable' mean as regards the outcome of the case? - correct answer Defendants in civil cases can't be found guilty, they can only be held liable for their actions. The defendant is deemed 'liable' when they lose a civil court case to another individual, and the court determines that the defendant owes the other person compensation 1.e. If there has been a settlement in a civil court case, what does that mean? - correct answer A settlement agreement is a document that parties use if they have settled a civil dispute. A settlement seeks to ensure that parties are clear on the terms of the agreement and avoids confusion. The agreement usually sets out the requirements of the parties and any compensation that is owed. 2.a. (Warning of dangers of swimming in reservoirs) What is the name of the main statute which contains law governing such as copying? - correct answer Copyright designs and patents act 1988 2.b. Name the defence in the statute which is most relevant for news reporting - correct answer The 'fair dealings' defence in section 30 of the act recognises the public interest in news coverage and other types of publication being free of some copyright restraints. Section 30 of the act allows some publication of work protected by copyright, if the publication is 'for the purpose of reporting current events', regardless of whether the copyright owner consents to this. 2.b.i. Referring to the defence, explain whether anyone could successfully sue the newspaper for damages because the feature includes the copied extract from the book - correct answer The newspaper