Introduction
A former president of the Massachusetts Bar Association would preface his remarks at public speaking engagements by holding up that morning's newspaper. As he turned the pages, the audience would see that on almost every page at least one article had been circled with a black marker. The president would explain that before leaving home that morning, he had circled every article that had something to do with the law. This exercise served as a very poignant way of showing the audience just how much of the daily news involves the law.
At some point in their careers, most journalists will write stories that involve the law and the courts. Yet, few reporters and editors have any legal training. In order to write knowledgeably and accurately about news that originates in courts and legal institutions, journalists must have an understanding of basic legal procedures and terms.
The Massachusetts Journalists' Court and Legal Handbook is published by the Massachusetts Bar Association to serve as an easy to understand guide to legal procedures, terms and information sources.
The Massachusetts Journalists' Court and Legal Handbook is intended to inform but not to advise. For legal advice, especially when faced with a potential legal problem, readers should consult attorneys.
The Massachusetts Bar Association would like to receive your comments and suggestions for future editions of The Massachusetts Journalist's Court and Legal Handbook. Please address all correspondence to: Communications Director, Massachusetts Bar Association, 20 West Street, Boston, MA 02111-1204.