Reporters Privilege

Florida Court Quashes Subpoena to Orlando Sentinel in Campaign Finance Trial

A central Florida court denied a criminal defendant’s motion to subpoena four Orlando Sentinel Reporters under Florida’s journalists’ privilege.

Minnesota Judge Affirms Application of Shield Law, Orders Privilege Log Production Anyway

Judge Klein’s order is a mixed result. On one hand, it strengthens the protections of Minnesota’s shield law, At the same time, though, Judge Klein explicitly refuses to address the First Amendment issues and orders Unicorn Riot and Georgiades to expend resources producing a privilege log.

Federal Judge Quashes Subpoena to Editors of The Detroit News in High Profile Litigation Regarding Flint Water Crisis

Judge Levy found that the subpoenas unduly burdened Miles and Clarey as members of the media. She also found that the requesting parties had failed to establish a clear link between the requested information and the allegations at issue in the litigation. 

Catholic Church Subpoena for Berkshire Eagle’s Confidential Sources

On October 3, a Massachusetts Superior Court judge issued a revised order protecting Berkshire Eagle investigations editor Larry Parnass – at least for now – from having to identify his confidential sources for a story about clergy sex abuse in western Massachusetts.

Journalist Jim DeRogatis Avoids Having to Testify in R. Kelly Criminal Trial

The federal judge presiding over the recent criminal trial of singer R. Kelly in Chicago quashed a defense subpoena for the testimony of Jim DeRogatis, the journalist and author who first exposed R. Kelly’s abuse of young women.

Minnesota Court Quashes Subpoena to Local Reporter Who Interviewed Jailed Suspect

The ruling is a clear recognition of the strength of the Minnesota Free Flow of Information Act, its processes, and the Act’s expansive definition of who qualifies for its protection.

Federal Court Rejects City of Phoenix’s Subpoena of Video from Television Reporter Who Exposed Police Misconduct

The judge concluded the city had not satisfied its burden to overcome the station’s qualified First Amendment journalist’s privilege.

D.C. Federal Court Vindicates Key Arguments for Quashing Subpoenas to the Media in Associated Press Case

A federal judge has granted a motion to quash by an Associated Press reporter on the basis of reporters’ privilege, rejecting several often-heard arguments from the proponent of the subpoena.

Espionage Act Prosecutions Against the Press

A collection of resources discussing the legislative history and statutory interpretation of the Espionage Act, assorted First Amendment issues implicated in a prosecution of the press, particular defenses under criminal law, the history of the publication of government secrets in the United States, the historical application of the Act, and more.

Canada’s Supreme Court Declines to Change Test for Media Production Orders