Read the following scenario and answer the question based on the readings and your own understanding of the principles of journalism law and ethics. What questions or approaches might you take in giving your answer?


It’s the law
by Mike Hiestand, SPLC
A week ago, someone set fire to your school’s library, causing approximately $50,000 damage before it was extinguished. As editor of the student newspaper, you just learned from one of your reporters that a 15-year-old sophomore at your school has been arrested and charged with the arson. The reporter was there with a group of other students when police arrived at the school, informed the student what she was charged with, read the suspect her rights, handcuffed her and drove away in a policy car. Of course, you plan to write a story for the next issue, but can you publish the student’s name?