Assignment 2

Law

Defamation
Defamation is the publication of a false statement that could harm a reputation of a person, a company or a group of people.

Libel

Slander

Fair Comment

Privilege

Public Interest


Contempt of Court

Reporting Restrictions
James Bulger Case:
On 12th February 1993, two year old James Bugler was abducted from a shopping centre by two 10year olds, and taken to a near by train track where he was tortured and murdered. The two 10year olds, who were found guilty were Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, they were the youngest convicted murders in modern english history.
Usually in cases where children are involved the Children's Act protects the identities of all persons under the age of 18, but the Judge didn't follow this in this particular case. This case was very public and had a hell of a lot of media attention, the judge was under pressure to give information about the case and for this reason gave the names of the young convicted murders. In my opinion this was wrong, although the law states by the age of ten you are aware of what you are doing and are criminally responsible. These boys didn't have a great up bringing which in my eyes leads to be less educated and mature than other 10 year olds, making them mentally younger than 10. By letting there identities be public, is setting them up to fail in future, no matter how much time they were in side for as soon as they were released their names and photos will be all around the country and even worldwide, being shown in schools, colleges and being studied at universities, this isn't fair in my opinion on their mental well being. In my eyes no matter the crime, the age or gender, the mental and physically well being of another individually should be strongly considered.