Federal Reporter’s Shield Law Languishes

Hope Yen reports on the progress–or non-progress of that federal reporter’s privilege legislation that started out so promisingly. Says Ms. Yen, “Out of nine high-profile cases since 2003 where journalists were ordered to reveal information, four might have turned out differently had the proposal awaiting Senate action been law. For them and dozens of other reporters subpoenaed for confidential information or the names of those providing that information, judges generally would have to weigh the “public interest” of the media reports; that is a factor many judges already consider. They would retain the power to jail reporters who refuse to name sources who leak information involving national security.” Read more here.