CourtNews
Standards

Editorial Policy

CourtNews is an independent newsroom dedicated to factual, transparent, and accountable journalism. These standards define how our reporting is produced and how readers can evaluate the work we publish.

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Editorial Independence

We do not accept payment, favors, or influence in exchange for coverage. All editorial decisions are made solely by our journalists and editors, free from corporate, political, or government interference. Commercial partnerships, advertising agreements, and sponsorships do not grant editorial control over reported stories.

Accuracy & Verification

Getting it right matters more than getting it first. Our journalists verify information using reliable sources, court documents, official records, and direct attribution. When information cannot be independently confirmed, that uncertainty is stated clearly in the story. Errors are corrected in accordance with our Corrections Policy. Stories involving allegations, legal context, or reputationally sensitive facts are expected to use careful wording and pre-publication outreach wherever feasible.

Fairness & Balance

We actively seek diverse perspectives on complex legal and justice issues while avoiding false equivalence. Claims are evaluated on evidence and credibility — not ideology. We give subjects of criticism a genuine opportunity to respond before publication where circumstances allow.

Transparency

Readers deserve to understand how our reporting decisions are made. CourtNews is committed to the following practices:

Clearly distinguish between news reporting, opinion, and legal analysis
Publish articles under an individual journalist's byline whenever possible
Use a CourtNews Staff byline only for collaborative or multi-reporter work
Label sponsored, paid, affiliate, or partner-funded material so readers cannot mistake it for independent reporting

Disclosure & Labeling

CourtNews discloses material relationships that a reasonable reader would consider relevant to understanding a story. Paid content, sponsored placements, affiliate links, or partner-funded material is clearly labeled and kept separate from independent reporting at all times.

Ethical Standards

No undisclosed conflicts of interest

Journalists disclose relevant personal, financial, or professional relationships before covering a beat or story where that relationship could affect the reporting.

No hidden sponsored content

Paid or sponsored material is clearly labeled and visually separated from news coverage at all times, in every format.

Respect for privacy

We weigh the public's right to know against individual privacy rights and personal dignity, especially in sensitive legal matters involving victims, minors, or sealed proceedings.

Reader Feedback & Accountability

Good journalism gets better through dialogue. Readers are always welcome to contact our editorial team with feedback, corrections, or story concerns.

editorial@courtnews.org

"Our commitment is to independent, fact-based legal journalism — accountable to our readers and guided solely by evidence."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026