Malaysian Judiciary and Court Reporting

Overview

Covering the courts is one of the most fascinating beats in a media organisation as it is rich with human drama. Furthermore, it fulfils part of the watchdog function and there is a great deal of public interest in what the courts do.

However, news coverage of courts and law can be a daunting task for any journalist, especially if they are not familiar with the complexities of the justice system.

Hence, this course will guide those journalists by detailing the knowledge and techniques necessary to report on the courts effectively and responsibly, through tips and suggestions from working journalists on the rules, constraints, the law, and what can and cannot be reported. Discussions will also include high-profile cases and how to deal with the public after the court hearing is over.

By the end of this course, you will be able to

Understand the structure, function and importance of the judicial system
Explain commonly used legal jargons
Develop sources and find records
Tell a story with depth and accuracy while maintaining sensitivity to the people involved.

What you will learn

Historical Development of the Malaysian Judiciary System
Hierarchy of the Courts and Court Etiquette
Syariah, Civil and Customary Laws in Malaysia
1988 Judicial Crisis and Institutional Reform
Contempt of Court and Restrictions on Reporting
Commonly Used Legal Terms and How to Explain Them Accurately
Getting the Entire Story: High Profile Cases and Coverage

This course is for you if

You’re a journalist or editor who wants to provide simple but clear, interesting and poignant coverage of trials and the legal system.
You are a school leaver who wants to understand how the judicial system in Malaysia works and gain insight on high-profile cases in the country.