Table of Contents

Can I Publish This?

Libel? Privacy? Intellectual property?! When you’re producing a publication, there are so many legal risks to keep in mind. But don’t fear! We’ll go over tips and tricks for conducting a self-directed prepublication review, that is, how to analyze your own content to keep you out of the courtroom and in the newsroom.

Person writing on a computer at a desk

This course is designed for student journalists.

This course is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or mean that you have formed an attorney-client relationship with FIRE. No online tool can substitute for effective advice from an attorney who can evaluate the nuances of a given legal situation. If you believe you would benefit from speaking to an attorney, please contact FIRE so that we can attempt to connect you with a lawyer in your jurisdiction. FIRE’s Student Press Freedom Initiative hotline is 1-717-734-SPFI (7734).

Content and Videos

Prepublication Review — Keeping Yourself Out of Legal Trouble

Key Questions for a Prepub Review

A Tool for Your Toolbox: CanIPublishThis.com

Media Law: Liabilities to Look Out For

The “big three” legal liabilities for student journalists are defamation, privacy torts, and intellectual property issues. This lesson dives into the definitions of each and how to steer clear of them.

Check out the following list of suggested reading to learn more about each of the topics covered in this lesson.

Libel and Defamation 

Copyright & Trademark

Privacy & Leaked Information
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