Mock Hearing Cases

Women's Studies Department, U of M vs. Star Tribune The Women’s Studies Department at the University of Minnesota complained that a Star Tribune series was biased, used inadequate sourcing and unethical newsgathering practices in preparing a story that alleged coursework in the Department lacked academic rigor. [preparation includes a good amount of reading and complicated issues] Ethical Issues: Deception, invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, undercover reporting, bias Issues for Discussion: Participants can discuss the guidelines set up by the Society of Professional Journalists on the uses of deception. Also, they can discuss newsgathering methods and the difference between print and broadcast journalism. The issues of "objective" vs. "subjective" reporting, sourcing of news stories and the opportunities and ethical problems presented when reporters are themselves the sources are appropriate for this case. Also, consider the historical use of first-person narrative in journalism (war reporting, for example), the use context, and "framing" of stories. For more about this case, click here. For more about conducting a mock hearing in your class, click here.

Anonymous Incest Survivor vs. Small Town Newspaper A 17-year-old incest victim and her mother complained to the News Council that her small-town newspaper invaded her privacy when it published a front-page story about her father’s trial and sentencing for sexual assault. Although she was not named, she believed she was clearly identifiable. [minimal preparation needed] Ethical Issues: Invasion of privacy, sensationalism Issues for Discussion: Participants may discuss the elements unique to crime reporting and working with victims, as well as newspaper policies on naming people involved in crimes, whether they are the alleged victim or alleged perpetrator. Other issues include balancing the public’s need to know with the welfare of the parties in the story, access to public records and court records, the difference between reporting in a small town vs. a big city. Consider the resources available to reporters when covering sensitive stories would also be appropriate. For more about this case, click here. For more about conducting a mock hearing in your class, click here.

Rachel Martin v. Duluth News Tribune At a 1996 Fairlawn Mansion and Museum Murder Mystery Dinner, guests were asked to dress and act as if it were a 1918 Mother Goose costume party. One guest attended in black face and recited the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Nigger Boys." The Duluth News Tribune contacted the museum's director, Rachael Martin, who answered questions but then declined to be interviewed again. The News Tribune ran a story, to which Martin responded with a letter to the editor. In a follow-up story, comments from Martin's as of yet unpublished letter were used to convey Martin's side of the story. The paper also ran an editorial denouncing the event. Stories about the controversy were published around the country. Martin complained that the stories contained inaccuracies and were sensational, and that the editorial decisions were unfair. [moderate preparation needed; complex and sensitive issues] Ethical Issues: Accuracy, sensationalism, framing a story, separation of editorial and news Issues for Discussion: Participants may discuss what it means to "frame a story." Also, in dealing with a reticent source, how might the reporter have worked around that to ensure accuracy of facts? To what extent did Martin contribute to the inaccuracies in her unwillingness to answer questions? Given the desire of the paper to tell both sides of the story and to be fair to Martin, was it reasonable to print her letter in the news story? Was it important enough to break down the "firewall" between the newsroom and the editorial department? For more about this case, click here. For more about conducting a mock hearing in your class, click here.

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