CZ:Managing Editor/2010/002 - References to war criminals: Difference between revisions

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imported>Daniel Mietchen
imported>Daniel Mietchen
(initial structuring)
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== Statement of problem ==
The basic question: is it acceptable and objective to use, in general article text, the term "war criminal" to someone for which a great deal of incriminating data was listed, but was never tried and convicted by a court, such as [[Adolf Hitler]] or [[Josef Mengele]]? If that is unacceptable, should the words "war criminal" be deleted from a direct quote stating an expert opinion?
The basic question: is it acceptable and objective to use, in general article text, the term "war criminal" to someone for which a great deal of incriminating data was listed, but was never tried and convicted by a court, such as [[Adolf Hitler]] or [[Josef Mengele]]? If that is unacceptable, should the words "war criminal" be deleted from a direct quote stating an expert opinion?


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[[User:Howard C. Berkowitz|Howard C. Berkowitz]] 22:05, 13 November 2010 (UTC)
[[User:Howard C. Berkowitz|Howard C. Berkowitz]] 22:05, 13 November 2010 (UTC)
'''moved comments to discussion page'''
'''moved comments to discussion page'''
== Formal restatement of problem ==
''This section defines the section structure of the decision.''
=== Specific case: Usage of the term "war criminal" ===
=== Specific case: Redaction of a direct quote containing the term "war criminal" ===
=== General case: Usage of terms of art ===
=== General case: Redaction of quotes ===
== Existing applicable policy ==
=== Charter ===
*[[CZ:Charter#Article 4|Article 4]]: The Citizendium community shall recognize the special role that experts play in defining content standards in their relevant fields and in guiding content development towards reliability and quality.
*[[CZ:Charter#Article 14|Article 14]]: Editors are Citizens whose expertise in some field of knowledge is recognized and formally acknowledged by the community.  Official recognition of expertise — obtained through education or experience — and its scope shall be based on guidelines established by the Editorial Council.
*[[CZ:Charter#Article 15|Article 15]]: Editors shall assure the quality of the Citizendium's approved content. They shall review and evaluate articles and shall have the right to
#approve high-quality articles that treat their topic adequately;
#resolve disputes over specific content matters when requested;
#enforce style and content guidelines as established by the Editorial Council; and
#identify for discussion incorrect or poorly presented content.
*[[CZ:Charter#Article 17|Article 17]]: An Editorial Council shall be empowered to develop policy on content and style.
*[[CZ:Charter#Article 19|Article 19]]: All articles shall treat their subjects comprehensively, neutrally, and objectively to the greatest degree possible in a well-written narrative, complementing text with other suitable material and media.
=== Decisions by the governing bodies ===
None so far.
=== Pre-Charter policy ===
*[[CZ:Editors]]
*[[CZ:Workgroups]]
== Draft decision ==


[[Category:Managing Editor/Pending decisions]]
[[Category:Managing Editor/Pending decisions]]

Revision as of 18:14, 13 November 2010

Statement of problem

The basic question: is it acceptable and objective to use, in general article text, the term "war criminal" to someone for which a great deal of incriminating data was listed, but was never tried and convicted by a court, such as Adolf Hitler or Josef Mengele? If that is unacceptable, should the words "war criminal" be deleted from a direct quote stating an expert opinion?

As a History and Military Editor, I would rule that the usage is acceptable, especially in the often-vague and unprecedented legal situation following WWII. I have not yet so ruled, as I'm the main author of the Mengele article. I'd hate to disturb Russell, another history editor, when he's overloaded with MC matters.

I will introduce the matter as part of a broader Editorial Council discussion of how Charter Article 19, in particular, overrides the older CZ: Neutrality Policy.

Howard C. Berkowitz 22:05, 13 November 2010 (UTC) moved comments to discussion page


Formal restatement of problem

This section defines the section structure of the decision.

Specific case: Usage of the term "war criminal"

Specific case: Redaction of a direct quote containing the term "war criminal"

General case: Usage of terms of art

General case: Redaction of quotes

Existing applicable policy

Charter

  • Article 4: The Citizendium community shall recognize the special role that experts play in defining content standards in their relevant fields and in guiding content development towards reliability and quality.
  • Article 14: Editors are Citizens whose expertise in some field of knowledge is recognized and formally acknowledged by the community. Official recognition of expertise — obtained through education or experience — and its scope shall be based on guidelines established by the Editorial Council.
  • Article 15: Editors shall assure the quality of the Citizendium's approved content. They shall review and evaluate articles and shall have the right to
  1. approve high-quality articles that treat their topic adequately;
  2. resolve disputes over specific content matters when requested;
  3. enforce style and content guidelines as established by the Editorial Council; and
  4. identify for discussion incorrect or poorly presented content.
  • Article 17: An Editorial Council shall be empowered to develop policy on content and style.
  • Article 19: All articles shall treat their subjects comprehensively, neutrally, and objectively to the greatest degree possible in a well-written narrative, complementing text with other suitable material and media.

Decisions by the governing bodies

None so far.

Pre-Charter policy

Draft decision