Back to Map Submit additional content to this list

Alabama

Enacted 1935.

Alabama Code § 12-21-142
Alabama Constitution of 1901, Art. I, § 4

Definition of news-gatherer: "engaged in, connected with or employed on any newspaper, radio broadcasting station or television station, while engaged in a newsgathering capacity." (Alabama Code)

Related cases:

• Norandal USA, Inc. v. Local Union No. 7468, 13 Med. L. Rptr. 2167 (Jackson County, Alabama Cir. Ct., September 11, 1986)
• In re American General Life & Accident Ins. Co., 26 Med. L. Rptr. 1606 (Bronx County, N.Y. Sup. Ct., January 14, 1996)
• Williams v. State, 489 So.2d 4 (Ala. Crim. App. 1986)
• Brothers v. Brothers, 19 Med. L. Rptr. 1031 (DR-86-200107, Cir. Ct. of Marshall County, Ala., Jan. 9, 1989)
• Pinkard v. Johnson, 118 F.R.D. 517 (M.D. Ala. 1987)
• Ex parte Sparrow, 14 F.R.D. 351 (N.D. Ala. 1953)
• Long v. Cooper, No. CV85-H-801-S (N.D. Ala. Apr. 10, 1986)
• Ellis v. Hicklen, No. 01-BU-3290-M (N.D. Ala. Apr. 8, 2002)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Alaska

Enacted 1967.

Alaska Statutes 09.25.300 -- .390

Definitions:(1) "news organization" means (A) an individual, partnership, corporation, or other association regularly engaged in the business of (i) publishing a newspaper or other periodical that reports news events, is issued at regular intervals, and has a general circulation; (ii) providing newsreels or other motion picture news for public showing; or (iii) broadcasting news to the public by wire, radio, television, or facsimile; (B) a press association or other association of individuals, partnerships, corporations, or other associations described in (A)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this paragraph engaged in gathering news and disseminating it to its members for publication;  [...] (4) "reporter" means a person regularly engaged in the business of collecting or writing news for publication, or presentation to the public, through a news organization; it includes persons who were reporters at the time of the communication, though not at the time of the claim of privilege. [this statute also covers public officials]

Related cases:

• Nebel v. Mapco Petroleum, 10 BNA Media L.Rptr. 1871, 1872 (Alas. Super. Ct., 4th Jud. Dist. 1984)
• Nebel v. Mapco Petroleum, 10 BNA Media L.Rptr. 1871, 1872 (Alas. Super. Ct., 4th Jud. Dist. 1984)
• aff'd. Pruett v. State, MO&J No 1474 (Alaska App., September 2, 1987)
• Management Information Technologies, Inc. v. Alyeska Pipeline Services Co., 151 F.R.D. 471 (D.D.C. 1993)
• Ellis v. Coleman, Case No. 95A-0367 Civ.
• State v. Kelly
• Dansereau v. Coghill, Case No. 3AN-94-10948 Civ.
• State v. Tetlow, Case No. 3AN-S01-3356 Cr.
• In The Matter of the January 1996 Grand Jury; Case No. 4FA-S96-45 Cr. (4th Jud. Dist., Fairbanks)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Arizona

Enacted 1937, re-codified 1960 ("Arizona Shield Law")

A.R.S. § 12-2237 (the "Arizona Shield Law")
A.R.S. § 12-2214 (the "Arizona Media Subpoena Law")

Definitions: "A person engaged in newspaper, radio, television or reportorial work, or connected with or employed by a newspaper, radio or television station" [Arizona Shield Law]

"a person engaged in gathering, reporting, writing, editing, publishing or broadcasting news to the public" [Arizona Media Subpoena Law]

Related cases:

• In re Hibberd, 262 GJ 75, Feb. 26, 2001
• Shoen v. Shoen, 48 F.3d 412 (9th Cir. 1995)
• Matera v. Superior Court, 170 Ariz. 446, 449, 825 P.2d 971, 974 (Ct. App. 1992)
• Bartlett v. Superior Court, 150 Ariz. 178, 183, 722 P.2d 346, 351 (Ct. App. 1986)
• Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Co. v. Ariz. Corp. Commission, 160 Ariz. 350, 354, 773 P.2d 455, 469 (1989)
• Phoenix Newspapers, 101 Ariz. at 259, 418 P.2d 596

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Arkansas

Statute established 1937, amended 1949.

Arkansas Code (Annotated) § 16-85-510 (Michie 1987)
Declaration of Rights, Arkansas Constitution, Art 2, § 6

Definitions: "editor, reporter, or other writer for any newspaper, periodical, or radio station, or publisher of any newspaper or periodical, or manager or owner of any radio station" [Arkansas Code]

Related cases:

• Williams v. American Broadcasting Cos, Inc., 96 F.R.D. 658, 665 (W.D. Ark. 1983)
• Saxton v. Arkansas Gazette Co., 264 Ark. 133, 569 S.W.2d 115 (1978)
• In re Grand Jury Subpoena ABC, 947 F. Supp. 1314 (E.D. Ark. 1996)
• State v. Bernard, No. 94-2133 (Pulaski County Cir. Ct., 2d Div., Feb. 21, 1995)
• First Commercial Trust v. Aldridge, No. 94-3006 (Pulaski County Cir. Ct., 2d Div., Dec. 12, 1994)
• State v. Echols, No. CR 93-450A (Craighead County Cir. Ct., Mar. 11, 1994)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



California

Established 1935, transferred 1965, amended 1972 (California Evidence Code). Constitutional provision established 1980.

California Evidence Code § 1070
California Code of Civil Procedure §1986.1 (re: five-days' notice requirement in subpoena of journalist)
California Constitution Article 1 § 2(b)
California Penal Code § 1524(g) (re: newsroom searches)

• Delaney v. Superior Court, 50 Cal.3d 785 (1990)
• Miller v. Superior Court, 21 Cal4th 883 (1999)
• Fost v. Superior Court, 80 Cal.App.4th 724 (2000)
• In re Farr, 36 CalApp.3d 577 (1974)
• Mitchell v. Superior Court, 37 Cal.3d 268 (1984)
• Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai Brith v. Superior Court, 67 Cal. App. 4th 1072, 1095-97 (1998)
• Dalitz v. Penthouse Int'l, Ltd., 168 Cal. App. 3d 468, 479 (1985)
• KSDO v. Superior Court, 136 Cal. App. 3d 375, 386 (1982)
• Star Editorial, Inc. v. United States District Court, 7 F.3d 856, 859-62 (9th Cir. 1993) (applying California law)
• Marin Independent Journal v. Municipal Court, 12 Cal. App. 4th 1712 (1993)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Colorado

Enacted 1991.

Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-90-119 and C.R.S. 24-72.5-101 --106

 ("Colorado Press Shield Law")

Colorado Constitution Article II, Section 10 [pdf]

Definitions:  "a) "Mass medium" means any publisher of a newspaper or periodical; wire service; radio or television station or network; news or feature syndicate; or cable television system. [...](c) "Newsperson" means any member of the mass media and any employee or independent contractor of a member of the mass media who is engaged to gather, receive, observe, process, prepare, write, or edit news information for dissemination to the public through the mass media."  [13-90-119]

"(2) "Mass medium" means any publisher of a newspaper or periodical; wire service; radio or television station or network; news or feature syndicate; or cable television system. [...]  (4) "Newsperson" means any member of the mass media and any employee or independent contractor of a member of the mass media who is engaged to gather, receive, observe, process, prepare, write, or edit news information for dissemination to the public through the mass media."  [24-72.5-101--106]

Related cases:

• Brock v. Westminster Mall Co., 819 P.2d 55, 59 (Colo. 1991)
• People v. Seven Thirty-Five East Colfax, Inc., 697 P.2d 348, 356 (Colo. 1985)
• Gagnon v. District Court In & For Cty. Of Fremont, 632 P.2d 567, 569 (Colo. 1981)
• Pankratz v. District Court In & For City & Cty. Of Denver, 609 P.2d 1101, 1103 (Colo. 1980)
•  Gordon v. Boyles, 9 P.3d 1106 (Colo. 2000)
• Artes-Roy v. City of Aspen, 20 Media L. Rep. 1647 (D. Colo. 1992)
• Re/Max, 846 F. Supp. 911 (D. Colo. 1994)
• Quigley v. Rosenthal, 43 F. Supp. 2d 1163 (D. Colo. 1999)
• Henderson v. People, 879 P.2d 383

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Connecticut

No shield law or related statute

Newsroom searches: Connecticut General Statutes §§ 54-33i and j

Definitions: "(1) "Journalist" means a person engaged in the business of investigating, collecting or writing news, or of supervising such activity, with the intent of publication or presentation or for publication or presentation to the public through a news organization.       (2) "News organization" means (A) an individual, partnership, corporation or other association engaged in the business, whether or not for profit, of (i) publishing a newspaper or other periodical that reports news events and that is issued at regular intervals or has a general circulation; or (ii) providing newsreels or other motion picture news for public showing; or (iii) broadcasting news to the public by wire, radio, television or facsimile; and (B) a press association or other association of individuals, partnerships, corporations or other associations described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision or in subdivision (1) of this section engaged in gathering news and disseminating it to its members for publication." [Connecticut General Statutes 959-54-33i]

Related cases:

• Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations v. Fagin, 33 Conn. Supp. 204, 370 A.2d 1095 (1976)
• Baker v. F & F Investment, 470 F.2d 778 (2 Cir. 1972)
• Goldfeld v. Post Publishing, 4 Med. L. Rptr. 1167 (Superior Court, 1978)
• S.E.C. v. Seahawk Deep Ocean Technology, Inc., 166 F.R.D. 268 (D. Conn. 1996)
• Driscoll v. Morris, 111 F.R.D. 459 (D. Conn. 1986)
• Rubera v. Post-Newsweek Stations, 8 Med. L. R. 2293 (Superior Court 1982)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Delaware

10 Delaware Code § 4320-26 (Reporters' Privilege Act)
8 Delaware Constitution  Article I, § 5 (Amended 1999)

Definitions: "(4) "Reporter" means any journalist, scholar, educator, polemicist, or other individual who either: a. At the time he or she obtained the information that is sought was earning his or her principal livelihood by, or in each of the preceding 3 weeks or 4 of the preceding 8 weeks had spent at least 20 hours engaged in the practice of, obtaining or preparing information for dissemination with the aid of facilities for the mass reproduction of words, sounds, or images in a form available to the general public; or b. Obtained the information that is sought while serving in the capacity of an agent, assistant, employee, or supervisor of an individual who qualifies as a reporter under subparagraph a." [Reporters' Privilege Act]

Related cases:

• Fuester v. Conrail , Del. Super., 22 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2376, 2378 (1994)
• State v. Hall , 16 Med. L. Rptr.1414 (Mun. Ct., M-88-10-1948, Fraczkowski, C.J. (March 8, 1989)
• State v. Cordrey , Del. Super., C.A. No. 88-07-0000A, Barbiarz, J. (September 28, 1988)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



District of Columbia

Established 1992

D.C. Code § 16-4701-4704  ("Free Flow of Information Act")

Definitions: "For the purpose of this chapter, the term "news media" means: (1) Newspapers; (2) Magazines; (3) Journals; (4) Press associations; (5) News agencies; (6) Wire services; (7) Radio; (8) Television; or (9) Any printed, photographic, mechanical, or electronic means of disseminating news and information to the public." [Free Flow of Information Act]

Related cases:

• Wheeler v. Goulart, 593 A.2d 173 (D.C. 1991)
• Grunseth v. Marriott Corp., 868 F. Supp. 333, 336 (D.D.C. 1994)
• Prentice v. McPhilemy, 27 Med. L. Rptr. 2377, 2381 (D.C. Sup. Ct. 1999)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Florida

Common-law protections established 1976. Statute established 1998.

Florida Statutes VII-90-5015

Definitions: "(a)  "Professional journalist" means a person regularly engaged in collecting, photographing, recording, writing, editing, reporting, or publishing news, for gain or livelihood, who obtained the information sought while working as a salaried employee of, or independent contractor for, a newspaper, news journal, news agency, press association, wire service, radio or television station, network, or news magazine. Book authors and others who are not professional journalists, as defined in this paragraph, are not included in the provisions of this section." [Florida Statutes]

Related cases:

• State v. Davis, 720 So. 2d 220 (Fla. 1998)
• Tribune Co. v. Huffstetler, 489 So. 2d 722 (Fla. 1986)
• Morgan v. State, 337 So. 2d 951 (Fla. 1976)
• See Florida v. Trepal, 24 Media L. Rep. 2595, 2596 (Fla. Cir. Ct. 1996)
• Gore Newspaper Co. v. Reasbeck, 363 So. 2d 609 (Fla. 4th DCA 1978)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Georgia

Enacted 1990.

Georgia Code: O.C.G.A. § 24-9-30

Definition: "Any person, company, or other entity engaged in the gathering and dissemination of news for the public through a newspaper, book, magazine, or radio or television broadcast" [Georgia Code]

Related Cases:

• Vaughn v. State, 259 Ga. 325 (1989)
• Howard v. Savannah College of Art and Design, Inc., 259 Ga. 795 (1990)
• Ledee v. Devoe, 225 Ga. App. 620, 625 (1997)
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution v. Jewell, 251 Ga. App. 808, 813 (2001)
•  Vance v. Krause, Civil Action No. 90-1687-5 (DeKalb County Superior Court, Nov. 21, 1990)
• Raskin v. Swann, 216 Ga. App. 478 (1995)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Hawaii

No shield law statute.

Hawaii Constitution

Related cases:

• In re Goodfader, 45 Haw. 317, 367 P.2d 472 (1961)
• Garland v. Torre, 259 F.2d 545 (2d Cir. 1958)
• Belanger v. City and County of Honolulu, Civil No. 93-4047-10 (Haw. 1st Cir. Ct. May 4, 1994)
• Jenkins v. Liberty Newspapers Ltd., 89 Haw. 254, 262, 971 P.2d 1089, 1097 (1999)
• DeRoburt v. Gannett Co., 507 F. Supp. 880 (D. Haw. 1981)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Idaho

No shield law statute.

Idaho Constitution: Article 1, § 9

Related cases:

• Caldero v. Tribune Publishing Company, 98 Idaho 288, 562 P.2d 791 (1977)
• In re Wright, 108 Idaho 418, 700 P.2d 40 (1985)
• State v. Salsbury, 129 Idaho 307, 924 P.2d 208 (1996)
• Sierra Life Ins. Co. v. Magic Valley Newspapers, Inc., 101 Idaho 795, 623 P.2d 103 (1980)
• Marks v. Vehlow, 105 Idaho 560, 671 P.2d 473 (1983)
• Stanford Daily v. Zurcher, 436 U.S. 547 (1978)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Illinois

Established 1982.

Illinois Code of Civil Procedure: 735 ILCS 5/8-901 to 8-909  ("Reporter's Privilege Statute")

Definition: "(a) "Reporter" means any person regularly engaged in the business of collecting, writing or editing news for publication through a news medium on a full‑time or part‑time basis; and includes any person who was a reporter at the time the information sought was procured or obtained. (b) "News medium" means any newspaper or other periodical issued at regular intervals whether in print or electronic format and having a general circulation; a news service whether in print or electronic format; a radio station; a television station; a television network; a community antenna television service; and any person or corporation engaged in the making of news reels or other motion picture news for public showing." [Reporter's Privilege Statute]

Related cases:

• In re Arya, 266 Ill. App. 3d 848, 852, 589 N.E.2d 832, 834 (4th Dist. 1992)
• In Re Special Grand Jury Investigation of Alleged Violation of the Juvenile Court Act, 104 Ill. 2d 419, 472 N.E.2d 450 (1984)
• Illinois v. Fort, 15 Media L. Rep. 2251 (Ill. Cir. Ct. 1988)
• Cukier v. American Medical Ass'n, 259 Ill. App. 3d 159, 630 N.E.2d 1198 (Ill. App. 1994), appeal denied, 156 Ill. 2d 556, 638 N.E.2d 1114 (1994)
• U.S. v. Lopez, 14 Media L. Rep. 2204 (N.D. Ill. 1987)
• Neal v. Harvey, 173 F.R.D. 231, 233, 25 Media L. Rep. 2403 (N.D. Ill. 1997)
• People v. Slover, 323 Ill. App. 3d 620, 753 N.E.2d 554 (2001) (
• People v. Pawlaczyk, 189 Ill. 2d 177, 724 N.E.2d 901 (2000)
• People ex. rel. Scott v. Silverstein, 89 Ill. App. 3d 1039, 1042, 412 N.E.2d 692 (1st Dist. 1980), rev'd in part on other grounds, 87 Ill. 2d 167, 429 N.E.2d 483 (Ill. 1981)
•  Villeda v. Prairie Material Sales Inc., 17 Media L. Rep. 2289, 2293 (Ill. Cir. Ct. 1990)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Indiana

Established 1941. Amended 1973. Recodified 1998.

Indiana Code §§ 34-46-4-1, 34-46-4-2
Indiana Constitution: Article I, Section 9

Definitions:  "(1) any person connected with, or any person who has been connected with or employed by: (A) a newspaper or other periodical issued at regular intervals and having a general circulation; or  (B) a recognized press association or wire service; as a bona fide owner, editorial or reportorial employee, who receives or has received income from legitimate gathering, writing, editing and interpretation of news; and (2) any person connected with a licensed radio or television station as owner, official, or as an editorial or reportorial employee who receives or has received income from legitimate gathering, writing, editing, interpreting, announcing or broadcasting of news." [Indiana Code]

Related cases:

• In re WTHR-TV (State v. Cline), 693 N.E.2d 1 (Ind. 1998)
• In re Stearns (Vollmer v. Zulka), 489 N.E.2d 146 (Ind. App. 1986)
• Jamerson v. Anderson Newspapers, Inc., 469 N.E.2d 1243, 1247 (Ind. App. 1984)
• Northside Sanitary Landfill, Inc. v. Bradley, 462 N.E.2d 1321 (Ind. App. 1984)
• Shindler v. State, 335 N.E.2d 638 (Ind. App. 1975)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Iowa

No shield law statute.

Closest (protection from subpoena): Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure: Rule 1.1701(2)(a)-(c), Rule 1.504, Rule 2.15(2) & Rule 2.14(6)(a)(3)

Related cases:

• Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier v. Hawkeye Community College, 2002 WL 1288764, at *5 (Iowa 2002)
• Winegard v. Oxberger, 258 N.W.2d 847, 3 Med. L. Rptr. 1326 (Iowa 1977)
• Garland v. Torre, 259 F.2d 545, 1 Med. L. Rptr. 2541 (2nd Cir. 1958), cert. denied, 358 U.S. 910 (1958)
• In re Farber, 78 N.J. 259, 394 A.2d 330, 4 Med. L. Rptr. 1360 (N.J. 1978), cert. denied 439 U.S. 997 (1978)
• Lamberto v. Bown, 326 N.W.2d 305, 308, 8 Med. L. Rptr. 2525 (Iowa 1982)
• Stanfield v. Polk County, 18 Med. L. Rptr. 1262, 1265 (Iowa Dist. Ct., No. CE 34-20125 (1990))
• Von Bulow v. Von Bulow, 811 F.2d 136, 13 Med. L. Rptr. 2041 (2nd Cir. 1987)
• Bell v. City of Des Moines, 412 N.W.2d 585, 14 Med. L. Rptr. 1729 (Iowa 1987)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Kansas

No shield law statute.

Kansas Constitution: Bill of Rights, Section 11

Related cases:

• In re Pennington, 224 Kan. 573, 581 P.2d 812 (1978), cert. denied, 440 U.S. 929 (1979)
• Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee Corp., 563 F.2d 433 (10th Cir. 1977)
• Grandbouche v. Clancy, 825 F.2d 1463 (10th Cir. 1987)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Kentucky

Established 1936. Amended 1952.

Kentucky Revised Statutes Annotated: . §421.100 (Baldwin 2001)  

Definition: "Newspaper, radio or television broadcasting station personnel" [Kentucky Revised Statutes]

Related cases:

• Branzburg v. Pound, 461 S.W.2d 345 (Ky. 1971), aff'd sub nom.. 408 U.S. 665 (1972)
• Lexington Herald-Leader v. Beard, 690 S.W. 2d 374, 11 Media L. Rep. 1376 (Ky. 1984)
• Branzburg v. Meigs, 503 S.W.2d 748 (Ky. 1971)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Louisiana

Established 1964. Second statute, La. R.S. 45:1459 enacted 1989.

Louisiana Revised Statutes: La. R.S. 45:1451-1459 (continue to click on "next page" for the full statute
Louisiana Constitution: Article 1, Section 7

Definitions:  "'Reporter' shall mean any person regularly engaged in the business of collecting, writing or editing news for publication through a news media.  The term reporter shall include all persons who were previously connected with any news media as aforesaid as to the information obtained while so connected. 'News Media' shall include (a)  Any newspaper or other periodical issued at regular intervals and having a paid general circulation; (b)  Press associations; (c)  Wire service; (d)  Radio; (e)  Television; and (f)  Persons or corporations engaged in the making of news reels or other motion picture news for public showing." [La. Revised Statutes]

Related cases:

• In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Ronald Ridenhour), 520 So. 2d 372 (La. 1988)
• In re Burns, 484 So.2d 658 (La. 1986)
• Becnel v. Lucia, 420 So.2d 1172 (La. App. 5th Cir. 1982)
• Dumez v. Houma Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Bd., 341 So.2d 1206, 1208 (La. App. 1st Cir. 1976)
• Louisiana v. Fontanille, 1994 La. App. LEXIS 191, *7 (La. App. 5th Cir. 1994)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Maine

No shield law statute.

Maine Constitution: Article I, § 4

Related cases:

• In re Denis Letellier, 578 A.2d 722, 17 Med.L.Rptr. 2169 (Me. 1990)
• Bruno & Stillman, Inc. v. Globe Newspaper Co., 633 F.2d 583, 6 Med.L.Rptr. 2057 (1st. Cir. 1980)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Maryland

Amended 1988.

Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code, Annotated: § 9-112

Definition: "In this section, "news media" means: (1) Newspapers; (2) Magazines;  (3) Journals; (4) Press associations; (5) News agencies; (6) Wire services; (7) Radio; (8) Television; and (9) Any printed, photographic, mechanical or electronic means of disseminating news and information to the public. (b)Persons affected.- The provisions of this section apply to any person who is, or has been, employed by the news media in any news gathering or news disseminating capacity." [Maryland Code]

Related cases:

• Tofani v. State, 465 A.2d 413, 9 Media L. Rep. 2193 (Md. 1983)
• WBAL-TV Division, The Hearst Corp. v. State, 477 A.2d 776, 10 Media L. Rep. 2121 (Md. 1984)
• Telnikoff v. Matusevitch, 702 A.2d 230, 25 Media L. Rep. 2473 (Md. 1997)
• In re State of California for the County of Los Angeles, Grand Jury Investigation, 471 A.2d 1141 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. 1984
• Lightman v. State, 294 A.2d 149, 156 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. 1972), aff'd, 295 A.2d 212 (Md. 1972), cert. denied, 411 U.S. 951 (1973)
• Cohen v. Cowles Media Co., 501 U.S. 663 (1991)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Massachusetts

No shield law statute.

Massachusetts Constitution

Related cases:

• Petition for the Promulgation of Rules, 479 N.E.2d 154 (Mass. 1985)
• Commonwealth v. Corsetti, 438 N.E.2d 805, 808 (Mass. 1982)
• Ayash v. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 706 N.E.2d 316 (Mass. App. 1999).
• In re Roche, 411 N.E.2d 466 (Mass. 1980)
• Dow Jones & Co. v. Superior Court, 303 N.E.2d 847 (Mass. 1973)
• In re Pappas, 266 N.E.2d 297 (Mass. 1971)
• In re John Doe Grand Jury Investigation, 574 N.E.2d 373 (Mass. 1991)
• Summit Technology, Inc. v. Healthcare Capital Group, Inc., 141 F.R.D. 381 (D. Mass. 1992)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Michigan

Michigan Compiled Law: MCL 767.5a & MCL 767A.6

Definitions:  "(1) a reporter or other person who is involved in the gathering or preparation of news for broadcast or publication" [MCL 767.5a]  "(6) A reporter or other person who is involved in the gathering or preparation of news for broadcast or publication" [MCL 767A.6]

Related cases:

• King v Photo Marketing Association International, 120 Mich App 527; 327 NW2d 515, 517-518 (1982)
• Marketos v American Employers Insurance Company, 185 Mich App 179; 460 NW2d 272 (1990)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Minnesota

Established 1973. Amended 1998.

Minnesota Statutes, Sections 595.021 to 595.025 ("Minnesota Free Flow of Information Act")

Definition: "person who is or  has been directly engaged in the gathering, procuring,  compiling, editing, or publishing of information for the purpose of transmission, dissemination or publication to the public" [Minnesota Statutes]

Related cases:

• Heaslip v. Freeman, 511 N.W.2d 21, 23 (Minn. App.), rev. denied (Minn. Feb. 24, 1994)
• State v. Ross, 22 Media L. Rep. 2509 (Ramsey Cty. Dist. Ct. 1994)
• State v. Knutson, 523 N.W.2d 909 (Minn. App. 1994)
• State v. Knutson, 539 N.W.2d 254 (Minn. App. 1996)
• State v. Turner, 550 N.W.2d 622 (Minn. 1996)
• Weinberger v. Indep. Sch. Dist. No. 622 v. Maplewood Review, 2001 WL 741313, at *3 (Minn. App. 2001) (unpublished) ("Weinberger I")
• Berglund v. City of Maplewood, 173 F.Supp.2d 935, 950 (D. Minn. 2001), appeal pending
• Bauer v. Gannett Co., Inc. (KARE 11), 557 N.W.2d 608, 610 (Minn. App. 1997)
• J.J.C. v. Fridell, 165 F.R.D. 513, 516 (D. Minn. 1995)
• Grunseth v. Marriott Corp., 868 F. Supp. 333 (D.D.C. 1994)
• v. CBS, Inc., 1996 WL 907735 (D. Minn. 1996)
• Aerial Burials, Inc. v. Minneapolis Star and Tribune Co., 8 Media L. Rep. 1653 (Minn. Dist. Ct. 1982)
• Cohen v. Cowles Media Co., 479 N.W.2d 387 (Minn. 1992).
• United Technologies Communications Co. v. Washington County Board, 624 F. Supp. 185, 190 (D. Minn. 1985)
• Automatic Alarm Corp. v. Ellis, 99 N.W.2d 54 (Minn. 1959)
• Village of Minneota v. Fairbanks, Morse & Co., 31 N.W.2d 920, 925 (Minn. 1948)
• National Farmers Union Prop. & Cas. Co. v. Fuel Recovery Co., 432 N.W.2d 788, 791 (Minn. App. 1988), rev. denied (Minn. 1989)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Mississippi

No shield law statute.

Mississippi Constitution: Section 13, Article 3

Related legislation: Mississippi Rules of Evidence 501 [no person has a right to refuse to testify]

Related cases:

• Miller v. Transamerican Press, Inc., 621 F.2d 721, 726 (5th Cir. 1980)
• Brinston v. Dunn, 919 F. Supp. 240 (S.D. Miss. 1996)
• McKee v. Starkville, 11 Med. L. Rptr. 2312, No. EC-82-36-NB-D, (N.D. Miss. Jan. 27, 1985)
• Linda Brune v. City of Jackson, No. 3:99cv77 (S.D. Miss. 2001)
• Alfred Stubblefield v. City of Jackson, No. 3:93cv279 (S.D. Miss. 1995)
• Charles R. Pope v. Village Apartments, Hinds County Circuit Court, No.92-72-436CV (Jan. 23,1995)
• State v. Byron de la Beckwith, Hinds County Circuit Court, No. 90-3-495CR H (July 28, 1993)
• Mary Doe v. Maurin-Ogden Mgmt. Corp., Hinds County Circuit Court, No. 90-64-502 (Feb. 8, 1991)
• State v. Hand, Tallahatchie County Circuit Court, No. CR89-49-C (T-2) (July 31, 1990)
• In re Grand Jury Subpoena, Hinds County Circuit Court, No. 38,664 (Oct. 4, 1989)
• City of Jackson v. Crawford, Municipal Court of Jackson, Mississippi, No. 88-0219 (May 20, 1988)
• State v. Young, Hinds County Circuit Court Crim. No. 825 (Mar. 16, 1988)
• McKee v. Starkville, 11 Med. L. Rptr. 2312, No. EC-82-36-NB-D, (N.D. Miss. Jan. 27, 1985)
• Hersdorffer v. Mississippi Publishers Corp., Hinds County Circuit Court, No. 29,251 (Apr. 7, 1983)
• Hawkins v. Williams, Hinds County Circuit Court, No. 29,054 (Mar. 16, 1983)
• Gulf Publishing Co., Inc. v. Lee, 434 So. 2d 687, 696 (Miss. 1983)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Missouri

No shield law statute.

Missouri Constitution: Article I, Section 8

Related cases:

• CBS, Inc., v. Campbell, 645 S.W.2d 30 (Mo. Ct. App. 1982)
• State of Mo. ex rel Classic III, Inc., v. Ely, 954 S.W.2d 650 (Mo. Ct. App. 1997)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Montana

Enacted 1943 as "Reporters Confidence Act." Amended 1951, 1979, 1987 and 1989.

Montana Code Annotated 26-1-902 to 26-1-903 ("Montana Media Confidentiality Act")

Definitions:  "any newspaper, magazine, press association, news agency, news service, radio station, television station, or community antenna television service or any person connected with or employed by any of these for the purpose of gathering, writing, editing, or disseminating news" [Montana Code]

Related cases:

• State ex. rel. Adams v. District Court of the Third Judicial District, 169 Mont. 336, 546 P.2d 988 (1976)
• Sible v. Lee Enterprises, Inc., 224 Mont. 163, 729 P.2d 1271 (1986)
• Linda Tracy v. City of Missoula, Missoula County Cause No. DV-00-849 (2001)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Nebraska

Established 1973.

Nebraska Revised Statutes. §§ 20-144 - 147 (Reissue 1997)

Nebraska Revised Statutes §29-813(2) (Reissue 1995) (re: newsroom searches)

• Las Vegas Sun v. Eighth Judicial District Court, 104 Nev. 508, 511-12, 761 P.2d 849, 851-52 (1988), overruled on other grounds
• Diaz v. Eighth Judicial Dist. Court, 116 Nev. 88, 993 P.2d 50 (2000)
• Director, Dep't Prisons v. Arndt, 98 Nev. 84, 86, 640 P.2d 1318, 1320 (1982)
• Farr v. Pitchess, 522 F.2d 464, 467-68 (9th Cir. 1975)
• Shoen v. Shoen, 5 F.3d 1289, 1292 (9th Cir. 1993)
• Newton v. National Broadcasting Co., 109 F.R.D. 522, 526-27 (D.Nev. 1985)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



New Hampshire

No shield law statute.

New Hampshire Constitution: Article 22

Related cases:

• Gray v. St. Martin's Press, 221 F.3d 243, 253, 28 Media L. Rptr. 2313 (2000)
• State v. Siel, 122 N.H. 254, 444 A. 2d 499, 8 Media L. Rptr. 1265 (1982)
• Opinion of the Justices, 117 N.H. 386, 373 A.2d 644, 2 Media L. Rptr. 2083 (1977)
• Downing v. Monitor Publishing Co., Inc., 120 N.H. 383, 386, 415 A.2d 683, 6 Media L. Rptr. 1193 (1980)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



New Jersey

Enacted 1933. Amended 1960, 1977 and 1979.

New Jersey Permanent Statutes: 2A:84A-21 to 2A:84A-21.9 (continue to click the arrow button to see full statute)

Definitions: "person engaged on, engaged in, connected with, or employed by news media for the purpose of gathering, procuring, transmitting, compiling, editing or disseminating news for the general public or on whose behalf news is so gathered, procured, transmitted, compiled, edited or disseminated" [N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-21]

"a.'News media'  means newspapers, magazines, press associations, news agencies, wire services, radio, television or other similar printed, photographic, mechanical or electronic means of disseminating news to the general public.  b. 'News'  means any written, oral or pictorial information gathered, procured, transmitted, compiled, edited or disseminated by, or on behalf of any  person engaged in, engaged on, connected with or employed by a news media and  so procured or obtained while such required relationship is in effect. c.   'Newspaper'  means a paper that is printed and distributed ordinarily not less frequently than once a week and that contains news, articles of opinion, editorials, features, advertising, or other matter regarded as of current interest, has a paid circulation and has been entered at a United States post office as second class matter.  d. 'Magazine'  means a publication containing news which is published and  distributed periodically, has a paid circulation and has been entered at a  United States post office as second class matter.  e.   'News agency' means a commercial organization that collects and supplies news to subscribing newspapers, magazines, periodicals and news broadcasters.  f. 'Press association' means an association of newspapers or magazines formed to gather and distribute news to its members.  g. 'Wire service'  means a news agency that sends out syndicated news copy  by wire to subscribing newspapers, magazines, periodicals or news broadcasters.  h.   'In the course of pursuing his professional activities' means any situation, including a social gathering, in which a reporter obtains information for the purpose of disseminating it to the public, but does not include any situation in which a reporter intentionally conceals from the source the fact that he is a reporter, and does not include any situation in which a reporter is an eyewitness to, or participant in, any act involving physical violence or property damage." [N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-21a]

"Any person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or other entity engaged  on, engaged in, connected with, or otherwise employed in gathering, procuring,  transmitting, compiling, editing, publishing, or disseminating news for the  public, or on whose behalf news is so gathered, procured, transmitted,  compiled, edited, published or disseminated" [N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-21.9]

• In Re Myron Farber, 78 N.J. 259 (1978)
• State v. Boiardo, 82 N.J. 446 (1980)(Boiardo I)
• State v. Boiardo, 83 N.J. 350 (1980)(Boiardo II)
• In re Schuman, 114 N.J. 14 (1989)
• Petition of Burnett, 269 N.J. Super. 493 (Law Div 1993)
• In re Napp Technologies, Inc. Litigation, 338 N.J. Super. 176 (Law 2000)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



New Mexico

Statute: New Mexico Statutes Annotated: NMSA 1978, § 38-6-7 (1973)

Court rules: Rule 11-514(B) to (C) NMRA 2002 & Rule 23-107 NMRA 2002

Definitions:  "(3)     "news" means any written, oral or pictorial information gathered, procured, transmitted, compiled, edited or disseminated by, or on behalf of any person engaged or employed by a news media and so procured or obtained while such required relationship is in effect;  (4)     "newspaper" means a news service that is printed or distributed electronically and distributed ordinarily not less frequently than once a week and that contains news, articles of opinion, editorials, features, advertising, or other matter regarded as of current interest;  (5)     "news agency" means a commercial organization that collects and supplies news to subscribing newspapers, magazines, periodicals and news broadcasters;  (6)     "news media" means newspapers, magazines, press associations, news agencies, wire services, radio, television or other similar printed, photographic, mechanical or electronic means of disseminating news to the general public;  (7)     "magazine" means a publication containing news which is published and distributed periodically;  (8)     "press association" means an association of newspapers or magazines formed to gather and distribute news to its members;  (9)     "wire service" means a news agency that sends out syndicated news copy by wire to subscribing newspapers, magazines, periodicals or news broadcasters.  B.     General rule of privilege. A person engaged or employed by news media for the purpose of gathering, procuring, transmitting, compiling, editing or disseminating news for the general public or on whose behalf news is so gathered, procured, transmitted, compiled, edited or disseminated" [Rule 11-514 NMRA 2002]

"(7)     "journalist" means any person who, for gain is engaged in gathering, preparing, editing, analyzing or commenting on news for a newspaper, magazine, news agency, news or feature syndicate, press association or wire service, or who was so engaged at the time a source or information was procured;  (8)     "newscaster" means any person who, for gain is engaged in gathering, preparing, editing, analyzing, commenting on or broadcasting news for radio or television transmission, or who was so engaged at the time a source or information was procured; and  (9)     "working associates [associate]" means any person who works for the person, in his capacity as a journalist or newscaster, from whom a source or information is sought and who was so engaged at the time a source or information was procured, or any person employed by the same individual or entity that employs the person, in his capacity as a journalist or newscaster, from whom a source or information is sought, and who was so engaged at the time a source or information was procured." [Statutes 38-6-7]

Related cases:

• Ammerman v. Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., 89 N.M. 307, 551 P.2d 1354 (1976)
• City of Farmington v. Fawcett, 114 N.M. 537, 546-47, 843 P.2d 839, 848-49 (Ct. App.), cert. denied, 114 N.M. 82, 835 P.2d 80 (1992)
• Marchiondo v. Brown, 98 N.M. 394, 398-99, 649 P.2d 462, 466-67 (1982)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



New York

Established 1970. Amended 1981 & 1990.

Civil Rights Law § 79-h

New York Constitution: Article I, § 8

• In re Beach v. Shanley, 62 N.Y.2d 241, 255, 476 N.Y.S.2d 765,733 (1984) (Wachtler, J., concurring)
• O'Neill v. Oakgrove Construction, Inc., 71 N.Y.2d 521, 528 N.Y.S.2d 1 (1988)
• Re Beach v. Shanley, 62 N.Y.2d at 256
• People v. Troiano, 127 Misc.2d 738, 486 N.Y.S.2d 991 (Suffolk Co. Ct. 1985)
• Gonzales v. NBC, 194 F.3d 29, 36 & n.6
• In the Matter of Caldwell, 311 F.Supp. 358 (N.D. Ca. 1970)
• Knight-Ridder Broadcasting, Inc. v. Greenberg, 70 N.Y.2d 151, 518 N.Y.S.2d 595 (1987)
• People v. Korkala, 99 A.D.2d 161, 472 N.Y.S.2d 310 (1st Dep't 1984)
• People v. LeGrand, 67 A.D.2d. 446, 415 N.Y.S.2d 252 (2d Dep't 1979)
• Lipinski v. Skinner, 781 F. Supp. 131 (N.D.N.Y. 1991)
• Oak Beach Inn v. Babylon Beacon, 92 A.D.2d 102, 104 (1983)
• PPM America, Inc. v. Marriot Corp., 152 F.R.D. 32 (S.D.N.Y. 1993)
• Blum v. Schlegel, 150 F.R.D. 42 (W.D.N.Y. 1993)
• Philip Morris v. ABC, 23 Media L. Rptr. 2438 (Va. Cir. Ct. 1995)
• Greenfield v. Schultz, 173 Misc.2d 31, 660 N.Y.S.2d 624 (Sup. Ct. N.Y. County 1997), aff'd in part, modified in part on other grounds, vacated in part on other grounds, 251 A.D.2d 67, 673 N.Y.S.2d 684 (1st Dep't 1998)
• Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press v. AT&T, 593 F.2d 1030, 1042-1046 (D.C. Cir.), cert. denied, 440 U.S. 949 (1979)
• People v. Di Raffaele, 55 N.Y.2d 234, 433 N.E.2d 513 (1982)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



North Carolina

Enacted 1999.

North Carolina General Statutes § 8-53.11
North Carolina Constitution: Article I, Section 14

Definitions: "(1)       Journalist. - Any person, company, or entity, or the employees, independent contractors, or agents of that person, company, or entity, engaged in the business of gathering, compiling, writing, editing, photographing, recording, or processing information for dissemination via any news medium. (2)       Legal proceeding. - Any grand jury proceeding or grand jury investigation; any criminal prosecution, civil suit, or related proceeding in any court; and any judicial or quasi‑judicial proceeding before any administrative, legislative, or regulatory board, agency, or tribunal. (3)       News medium. - Any entity regularly engaged in the business of publication or distribution of news via print, broadcast, or other electronic means accessible to the general public." [NCGS 8-53.11]

Related cases:

• An Act to Promote the Free Flow of Information to the People of North Carolina by Codifying the Journalists' Testimonial Privilege, ch. 267, 1999 N.C. Sess. Laws 359, s. 2 (State Legislature)
• In re Owens, 128 N.C. App. 577, 496 S.E.2d 592, 26 Media L. Rep. 1953 (1998)
• Higgins v. Young, 29 Media L. Rep. 2528 (2001)
• State v. McKillop, 24 Media L. Rep. 1638 (N.C. Dist. Ct. 1995)
• State v. Wallace, 23 Media L. Rep. 1473 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1995)
• State v. Demery, 23 Media L. Rep. 1958 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1995)
• State v. Smith, 13 Media L. Rep. 1942 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1987)
• Locklear v. Waccamaw Siouan Dev. Ass'n, 12 Media L. Rep 2391 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1986)
• Johnson v. Skurow, 10 Media L. Rep. 2463 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1984)
• State v. Hagaman, 9 Media L. Rep. 2525 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1983)
• Chappell v. Brunswick Bd. of Educ., 9 Media L. Rep. 1753 (N.C. Superior Ct. 1983)
• Shinn v. Price, 27 Media L. Rep. 2341 (N.C. Sup. Ct. 1999)
• Miller v. Mecklenburg County, 602 F. Supp. 675 (W.D.N.C. 1985) and 606 F. Supp. 488 (W.D.N.C. 1985), aff'd, 813 F.2d 402 (4th Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 479 U.S. 1100 (1987)
• Ashcroft v. Conoco, 218 F.3d 282, 28 Media L. Rep. 2103 (4th Cir. 2000)
• Food Lion, Inc. v. Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., 951 F. Supp 1211 (M.D.N.C. 1996)
• Penland v. Long, 922 F. Supp. 1080 (W.D.N.C. 1995)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



North Dakota

Established 1973.

North Dakota Century Code § 31-01-06.2

Definitions: "No person shall be required in any proceeding or hearing to disclose any information or the source of any information procured or obtained while the person was engaged in gathering, writing, photographing, or editing news and was employed by or acting for any organization engaged in publishing or broadcasting news" [N.D.C.C. 31-01-06.2]

Related cases:

• Grand Forks Herald v. District Court ex rel. Grand Forks County, 322 N.W.2d 850 (N.D. 1982)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Ohio

Ohio Revised Code § 2739.03 to § 2739.18

Definitions:

 "person engaged in the work of, or connected with, or employed by any noncommercial educational or commercial radio broadcasting station, or any noncommercial educational or commercial television broadcasting station, or network of such stations, for the purpose of gathering, procuring, compiling, editing, disseminating, publishing, or broadcasting news [...] (B) "Noncommercial educational television or radio broadcasting station" means a television or radio broadcast station that is licensed by the federal communications commission as a noncommercial educational radio or television broadcast station, transmits only noncommercial programs for educational purposes, and is owned and operated by: (1) A public agency or institution or nonprofit private foundation, corporation, or association; (2) A municipal corporation." [Code 2739.04]

"Any person, firm, partnership, voluntary association, joint-stock association, or corporation, wherever organized or incorporated, engaged in the business of printing or publishing a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical sold or offered for sale in this state, in a newspaper company, and any such newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication is a newspaper" [Code 2739.11]

 "person engaged in the work of, or connected with, or employed by any newspaper or any press association for the purpose of gathering, procuring, compiling, editing, disseminating, or publishing news" [Code 2739.12]

Related cases:

• State v. Geis, 2 Ohio App.3d 258, 441 N.E.2d 803 (1981)
• Scott v. News-Herald, 25 Ohio St.3d 243 (1986)
• Fawley v. Quirk, 11 Med.L.Rptr. 2336 (Ohio Ct. App. 1985)
• Schreiber v. Multimedia of Ohio, Inc., 41 Ohio App. 3d 257, 535 N.E.2d 357 (1987)
• Slagle v. Coca Cola, 12 Med.L.Rptr. 1911 (Ohio Ct. Comm. Pls. Mont. Co. 1986)
• ex rel. National Broadcasting Company, Inc. v. Lake County Court of Common Pleas, 52 Ohio St. 3d 104, 556 N.E.2d 1120 (1990)
• Deltec, Inc. v. Dunn & Bradstreet, Inc., 187 F.Supp. 768 (N.D. Ohio 1960)
• State v. Ventura, 101 Ohio Misc. 2d 15, 720 N.E.2d 1024 (Ct. Comm. Pl. 1999)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Oklahoma

Enacted 1974. Amended 1978.

Oklahoma Statutes: Title 12, § 2506

Oklahoma Constitution: Article 2, § 22

Definitions:  "2.  "Medium of communication" includes any newspaper, magazine, other periodical, book, pamphlet, news service, wire service, news or feature syndicate, broadcast station or network, cable television system, or record; [...]7.  "Journalist" means any person who is a reporter, photographer, editor, commentator, journalist, correspondent, announcer, or other individual regularly engaged in obtaining, writing, reviewing, editing, or otherwise preparing news for any newspaper, periodical, press association, newspaper syndicate, wire service, radio or television station, or other news service.  Any individual employed by any such news service in the performance of any of the above‑mentioned activities shall be deemed to be regularly engaged in such activities.  However, journalist shall not include any governmental entity or individual employed thereby engaged in official governmental information activities." [Statutes]

Related cases:

• Taylor v. Miskovsky, 1981 OK 143, 640 P.2d 959
• Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee, 563 F.2d 433 (10th Cir. 1977)
• Gaylord Entertainment v. Thompson, 1999 OK 128, ¶ 13 n.23, 958 P.2d 128, 138 n.23

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Oregon

Oregon Revised Statutes 44.510 to 44.540

Oregon Constitution: Article I, §8

Definitions:  "(2) "Medium of communication" has its ordinary meaning and includes, but is not limited to, any newspaper, magazine or other periodical, book, pamphlet, news service, wire service, news or feature syndicate, broadcast station or network, or cable television system. Any information which is a portion of a governmental utterance made by an official or employee of government within the scope of the official's or employee's governmental function, or any political publication subject to ORS 260.532 and 260.605, is not included within the meaning of "medium of communication. [...] person connected with, employed by or engaged in any medium of communication to the public" [Statute]

Related cases:

• State v. Buchanan, 250 Or 244, 436 P2d 729 (1968)
• State v. Pelham, 136 Or App 336, 901 P2d 972 (1995)
• State ex rel Meyer v. Howell, 86 Or App 740 P2d 792

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Pennsylvania

Enacted 1937. Amended 1959 and 1968.

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues Annotated: 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5942(a)

Pennsylvania Constitution: Article I, § 7

Definitions:  "person engaged on, connected with, or employed by any newspaper of general circulation or any press association or any radio or television station, or any magazine of general circulation, for the purpose of gathering, procuring, compiling, editing or publishing news," [Statutes]

Related cases:

• Commonwealth v. Tyson, 2002 WL 1060484, *3 (Pa. Super. May 29, 2002)
• Davis v. Glanton, 705 A.2d 879 (Pa. Super. 1997)
• McMenamin v. Tartaglione, 590 A.2d 802, 811 (Pa. Commw.), aff'd without op., 590 A.2d 753 (Pa. 1991)
• Commonwealth v. Farley, 27 Med. L. Rptr. 1544 (C.P. Jefferson January 12, 1999)
• United States v. Cuthbertson, 651 F.2d 189, 195-96 (3d Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 1056 (1981) ( Cuthbertson II)
• United States v. Criden, 633 F.2d 346, 358-59 (3d Cir. 1980), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 1113 (1981)
• United States v. Cuthbertson, 630 F.2d 139, 148 (3d Cir. 1980), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 1126 (1981) ( Cuthbertson I)
• In re Vmark Software, Inc., 1998 WL 42252 (E.D. Pa. Jan. 8, 1998)
• Perry v. Keulian, 1997 WL 117027 (E.D. Pa. March 11, 1997)
• Shetler v. Zeger, 1989 WL 234087, *5-6, 4 Pa. D. & C.4th 564, 573 (C.P. Franklin June 1, 1989)
• Commonwealth v. Ruch, 1984 WL 605, *2, 28 Pa. D. & C.3d 488, 491 (C.P. Montgomery Jan. 12, 1984)
• Commonwealth v. Linderman, 1992 WL 563407, *2, 17 Pa. D. & C.4th 102, 106 (C.P. Chester Sept. 4, 1992)
• In re Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Bd., 29 Media L. Rep. 1156, 1158 (C.P. Allegheny 2000)
• Shetler, 1989 WL 234087, at *6, 4 Pa. D. & C.4th 564, 573
• LAL v. CBS, Inc., 726 F.2d 97, 100 (3d Cir. 1984)
• Steaks Unlimited, Inc. v. Deaner, 623 F.2d 264, 278-79 (3d Cir. 1980)
• Melvin v. Doe, 49 Pa. D. & C.4th 449, 477 (CP Allegheny 2000)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Rhode Island

Enacted 1971.

Rhode Island General Laws § 9-19.1-1 through § 9-19.1-3   ("Newsman's Privilege Law")

Definitions:  "A newspaper or periodical as described in this chapter must be issued at regular intervals and have a paid circulation. [...] a reporter, editor, commentator, journalist, writer, correspondent, newsphotographer, or other person directly engaged in the gathering or presentation of news for any accredited newspaper, periodical, press association, newspaper syndicate, wire service, or radio or television station." [Newsman's Privilege Law]

Related cases:

• Fischer v. McGowan, 585 F.Supp. 978, 984 (D.R.I. 1984)
• Outlet Communications, Inc. v. State, 588 A.2d 1050 (R.I. 1991)
• Capuano v. Outlet Co., 579 A.2d 469 (R.I. 1990)
• Herbert v. Lando, 441 U.S. 153, 99 S.Ct 1653, 60 L.Ed.2d 115 (1979)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



South Carolina

Enacted 1993.

South Carolina Code of Laws: SCCA §19-11-100 (Supp. 2001)

South Carolina Constitution: Article I, §2

Related: South Carolina Rules of Evidence: Rule 501, SCRE

Definitions: "(A) A person, company, or entity engaged in or that has been engaged in the gathering and dissemination of news for the public through a newspaper, book, magazine, radio, television, news or wire service, or other medium" [Code]

Related cases:

• In re Shain, 978 F.2d 850 (4th Cir. 1992)
• City of Rock Hill v. Henry, 244 S.C. 74, 135 S.E.2d 718 (1963), rev'd on other ground 376 U.S. 776 (1964)
• Matter of Decker, 322 S.C. 215, 471 S.E.2d 462 (1995), n.4

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



South Dakota

No shield law statute.

South Dakota Constitution: Article VI, §5

Related cases:

• Hopewell v. Midcontinent Broadcasting Corp., 538 NW2d 780 (SD 1995)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Tennessee

Tennessee Code Annotated § 24-1-208
Tennessee Constitution: Section 19

Definition: "(a)  A person engaged in gathering information for publication or broadcast connected with or employed by the news media or press, or who is independently engaged in gathering information for publication or broadcast," [Tennessee Code]

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content




Texas

No shield law statute.

Texas Constitution: Article I, Section 8

Related statute: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 18.01(e) [re: newsroom searches]

Related cases:

• Davenport v. Garcia, 834 S.W.2d 4, 7-10 (Tex. 1992)
• Holland v. Centennial Homes, Inc., 22 Med. L. Rptr. 2270 (N.D. Tex. 1993)
• State ex rel. Healey v. McMeans, 884 S.W.2d 772 (Tex. Crim. App 1994) (en banc).
• Channel Two Television v. Dickerson, 725 S.W.2d 470 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 1987)
• Dallas Morning News Co. v. Garcia, 822 S.W.2d 675 (Tex. App.--San Antonio 1991)
• Lenhart v. Thomas, 944 F. Supp. 525 (S.D. Tex. 1996)
• Bentley v. Bunton, 2002 Tex. LEXIS 129, 45 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 1172 (Tex. 2002)
• De La Paz v. Henry's Diner, Inc., 946 F. Supp. 484, 485 (N.D. Tex. 1996)
• von Bulow v. von Bulow, 811 F.2d 136 (2d Cir. 1987)
• Campbell v. Klevenhagen, 760 F. Supp. 1206 (S.D. Tex. 1991)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Utah

No shield law statute.

Utah Constitution: Article I, Section 15

Related cases:

• Redding v. Jacobsen, 638 P.2d 503 (Utah 1981)
• State v. Krueger, 975 P.2d 489 (Utah Ct. App. 1999)
• Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee Corp., 563 F.2d 433 (10th Cir. 1977)
• State v. Koolmo, No. 981905396 (Utah 3d Dist. Ct. March 29, 1999)
• In re: Inquiry of the State Ballot Law Commission of the State of Massachusetts, No. 020905264 (Utah 3d Dist. Ct. June 25, 2002)
• Lester v. Draper, No. 000906048 (Utah 3d Dist. Ct. Jan. 16, 2002)
• State v. Michaels, No. 011902114 (Utah 3d Dist. Ct. July 9, 2001)
• Bottomly v. Leucadia Nat'l Corp., 24 Med. L. Rep. 2118, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 14760 (D. Utah July 2, 1996)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content



Vermont

No shield law statute.

Vermont Constitution: Chapter I, Article 13

Related cases:

• State v. St. Peter, 132 Vt. 266 (1974)
• v. Maxwell, 86 S. Ct. 1507, 384 U.S. 333, 16 L.Ed.2d 600 (1966)
• United States v. Burke, 700 F.2d 70 (2d Cir. 1983)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content




Virginia

No shield law statute.
Virginia Constitution: Article I, Section 12

Related cases:

• Brown v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 214 Va. 755, 204 S.E.2d 429 (1974), cert. denied, Brown v. Virginia, 419 U.S. 966, 42 L. Ed. 2d. 182, 95 S. Ct. 229 (1974)
• Clemente v. Clemente, 56 Va. Cir. 530, 531 (Arlington 2001)
• Philip Morris Co., Inc. v. American Broadcasting Co., Inc., 36 Va. Cir. 1, 14 (Richmond 1995)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content




Washington

No shield law statute.
Washington Constitution: Article I, Section 5

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content

West Virginia
No shield law statute.
Related: West Virginia Constitution: Article III, § 7
Related cases:
• State ex rel. Hudok v. Henry, 182 W.Va. 500, 17 Media L.Rep. 1627, 389 S.E.2d 188 (W.Va. 1990)
• State ex rel. Charleston Mail Ass'n v. Ranson, 200 W.Va. 5, 25 Media L. Rep. 2166, 60 A.L.R.5th 827, 488 S.E.2d 5 (1997)
• Von Bulow by Auersperg v. Von Bulow, 811 F.2d 136 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 481 U.S. 1015, 107 S.Ct. 1891, 95 L.Ed.2d 498 (1987).

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content

Wisconsin
No shield law statute.
Related: Wisconsin Constitution: Article I, Section 3
Related cases:
• Zelenka v. State, 266 N.W.2d 279, 286-87 (Wis. 1978)
• State ex rel. Green Bay Newspaper Co. v. Circuit Court, 335 N.W.2d 367, 372 (Wis. 1983)
• Kurzynski v. Spaeth, 538 N.W.2d 554, 557 (Wis. Ct. App. 1995)
• State v. Knops, 183 N.W.2d 93, 95 (Wis. 1971)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content

Wyoming
No shield law statute.
Related: Wyoming Constitution: Article 1, Section 20
Related cases:
• Order on Appeal from Magistrate's Order, Wilson v. Amoco, U.S. District Court for District of Wyoming, Docket No. 96-CV-0124-B (filed April 8, 1998)
• Tate v. Akers, 409 F.Supp. 978 (D. Wyo. 1976) aff'd 565 F.2d 1166 (10th Cir. 1977)
• Saldana v. State, 846 P.2d 604, 621 (Wyo. 1993)
• Sheridan Newspapers v. City of Sheridan, 660 P.2d 785, 794 (Wyo. 1983)
• Grandbouche v. Clancy, 825 F. 2d 1463 (10th Cir. 1987)

Back to map | top of this document | Submit additional content