Activity 2: Law quiz

The Task

Test your knowledge of student press law by taking the following quiz. You are still working as an editorial staff, and should discuss the answers together. All questions are based on student press law in Massachusetts.

Try the quiz before consulting the resources below.

True or False?:

1. The principal cannot stop the print of any stories that he or she finds controversial.
2. Students can be sued for libel or invasion of privacy.
3. Massachusetts law gives students control of the contents of the school newspaper.
4. Matters regarding student newspapers have gone as far as the Supreme Court
5. There is an organization that gives free legal advice and representation to student journalists.
6. The principal does not have the right to review the student newspaper before it is printed.
7. The newspaper advisor cannot edit or alter material that he or she finds objectionable before the paper is printed.
8. The Supreme Court gave control of student newspapers to principals.
9. Students can critique artistic performances without fear of being sued.
10. A school cannot be sued for material printed in the school paper.

Answer to all of the above statements is... TRUE!

Resources

The following cases are landmark court decisions regarding student press law. They will give you a background of student rights as well as the most current decision for students in Massachusetts.

• Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier
• Massachusetts Student Free Expression Law
• Youth Guide to the First Amendment
• First Amendment
• Massachusetts Constitution
• United States Constitution

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