When was the shield law passed?
When was the shield law passed?
When the shield law was first passed in 2008, it included a sunset clause that would have caused the law to expire on June 30 had the Legislature not extended it this term.
What exactly is it that a shield law protects the press from having to do a protection unavailable to the general public?
California’s shield law is set out in California Evidence Code section 1070, and it protects journalists (defined to include publishers, editors, reporters, or other persons employed by a journalistic organization, whether their work is in print, radio, or television) from being held in contempt for refusing to “ …
What is a reporter’s shield law?
The reporter’s shield law contained in the California Constitution prohibits a publisher, editor, reporter, or other person connected with or employed by a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, or by a press association or wire service, from being held in contempt for refusing to disclose the source of …
What is the problem with shield laws?
But the biggest problem with a shield law is that, at a juncture when the United States remains under threat, it would undermine the government’s ability to enforce the law and provide for the common defense, upsetting the delicate balance between freedom and security that we now struggle to maintain.
What state has no shield law?
Idaho has no shield law but does recognize a qualified privilege. Though not stated specifically, the privilege appears to apply to confidential information.
Who was the reporter that was treated with contempt for protecting source?
Earlier this week, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability threatened to cite The Standard reporter Christine Herrera in contempt unless she named her source for a story about House of Representatives members who allegedly received bribes to approve the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
What are shield laws why have some states passed these laws?
State statutes. Roughly 30 states have passed statutes, called shield laws, allowing journalists to refuse to disclose or testify about confidential or unpublished information, including the identity of sources. The statutes vary significantly from state to state in the scope of their protections.
How does the law protect the press?
The freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment, is critical to a democracy in which the government is accountable to the people. A free media functions as a watchdog that can investigate and report on government wrongdoing.
What is the purpose of a shield law?
Shield laws are statutes that provide journalists either an absolute or qualified privilege to refuse to disclose sources used or information obtained in the course of news gathering.
How do shield laws protect reporters and the media?
A shield law is legislation designed to protect reporters’ privilege. This privilege involves the right of news reporters to refuse to testify as to the information and/or sources of information obtained during the news gathering and dissemination process.
In what ways do shield laws limit government regulation of the media?
Shield laws allow journalists to refuse to disclose sources, information. Shield laws usually provide either an absolute or qualified privilege, although California’s statute has been interpreted to create immunity against a finding of contempt rather than a privilege per se.
Can a journalist reveal their source?
JOURNALISTS must protect their confidential sources if the Press is to safeguard the interests of society. Even so, courts do attempt to force journalists to reveal their sources.
