McNae's Essential law for journalists is a magnificent insight into the legal profession without having studied before. I can understand if you are just starting a journalism course like I was you may find this book overwhelming to read, but I can assure you that this book will take you all the way through your journalistic/media careers, if you follow it and know your law, hopefully you will not find yourself in deep waters with a law suit pending.
The book is great for anyone who is just starting their journalistic careers through to an experienced journalist.
The 17th edition has been released two years after the previous edition and is important through the developments of the legal system. It is also a useful guide reference.
With changes in law occurring frequently journalists need to keep up to date with the new legislations.
Since the 16th edition there are some developments that are crucial to the journalist. There have been three new sets of reporting restrictions introduced in the means of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and the Courts Act 2003. There are also many other new legislations, these include Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, Sexual Offences Act 2003, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Police Reform Act 2002 and the Adoption and Children Act 2002. There are also new guidelines in place in the High Court on the use of orders under Section 39 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and on naming of children made to anti-social behaviour orders.
There have been setbacks for the journalist as well as court rulings strengthening certain defences.
There are many cases references in the book including kiss and tell privacy cases and medical cases where there may have been a breach of confidence.
This book will carry you on your way to being a journalist, and to those of you who are journalists it will help you to carry on writing the best stories and features without putting yourselves in danger of appearing in the next edition of essential law.

McNae's Essential Law for Journalists is required reading on journalism courses accredited by the National Council for the training of Journalists.