The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication
Links to Professional Resources
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
1. Columbia Journalism Review: Shield Laws & Journalists Privilege
This article provides a basic overview of shield law for budding journalists.
Follow the author on Twitter: @jonathanwpeters
2. The Federal Common Law of Journalist’s Privilege: A Position Paper
This is a detailed position paper on reporter’s privilege. It highlights and considers the interaction of court rulings such as Branzburg v. Hayes with federal rule and state law. The piece is co-authored by a subcommittee of the Committee on Communications and Media Law.
3. First Amendment Coalition: Federal Shield Law
This page on the FAC website offers numerous articles about the unsuccessful attempts in 2009 and 2010 to adopt a federal shield law.
Follow the regional New England First Amendment Coalition on Twitter: @NEFAC
4. First Amendment Encyclopedia: Shield Laws
This entry provides an overview of shield laws and contains links to relevant news stories regarding shield laws.
5. Freedom Forum Institute: State Sheild Statutes and Leading Cases
This website provides a list of state shield laws and details regarding key cases in each state.
Follow on Twitter: @FreedomForumIns