Media houses scolded over juvenile reporting

Posted: Monday, August 11, 2014. 9:43 pm CST.

Media

Monday, August 11, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting: Following the publication in certain media of the name and photograph of a murder suspect last week, there has been backlash.

In separate press releases, the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) and the Magistracy have reminded local media houses that per the law, neither the name, address, school, photograph or anything leading to the identification of any minor charged with a crime before the juvenile court may be published, on pain of a $100 fine for violations.

The Families and Children Act goes even further, prohibiting the publishing of identifying characteristics of any minor involved in a crime, whether victim, witness or accused.

For the record, it was the Police Department who sent out both name and photograph of the accused in the death of Chryslin Gladden, and it was the Department’s press officer who copied these releases to us this morning.

The NCFC states that the implicated minor and his or her family could face retaliation and points to potential stigma should the minor be cleared of charges.

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