Journalists Have No Right to Hide Sources
Wed October 1st, 2003 16:47 MSTLaw professor and master blogger Glen Reynolds makes the interesting point that journalists have no first amendment right to refuse to reveal their sources to police. Furthermore, he points out that a journalist who agrees not to reveal the source of illegal leaks may legally by a co-conspirator. In theory, Novak could be in handcuffs, and he and his fellow leaker receivers in the Wilson controversy could be forced to disclose the identities of the leakers.
Interesting angle!
I am still wondering if Wilson had a legal right to reveal his participation in going to Niger. Surely that was a breach of some confidentiality aggrements he must have signed.
The press howls for an investigation…as long as it doesn’t include the press. If Ashcroft subpoenaed them, it would just be more ‘proof’ of ‘chilling dissent’. Quite a racket.