Guidance for NQJ candidates and trainers on the Defamation Act 2013

Following the commencement of the Defamation Act 2013, the NCTJ has issued guidance for the March NQJ exam:

Media law and practice exam – 7 March 2014

Due to the recent introduction of the Defamation Act 2013 the NCTJ has decided that no candidates will be penalised if they answer any question about defamation using references pre-dating the new act.

As candidates are allowed to take Essential Law for Journalists into the exam, which does not refer to the new act in its current edition, it would not be fair to mark down those candidates who use what they were taught or what is in the book.

However, in the case of borderline candidates, or those close to merit or distinction, extra marks may be given for those who show that they are up to date with the law.

Crispin Clark

Moderator, NQJ Media Law and Practice

This document is also available to view in the NQJ for reporters section and the NQJ for sports reporters section of the website.