Go there for all the scoop. Some relevant tidbits include:
- Many, but not all, states have "shield" laws allowing reporters to protect their sources, under varying circumstances
- With regard to reporters in the greater DC area, Maryland, Delaware, and DC have shield laws. Virginia does not. New York does, Illinois does not. Washington (State) does not.
- A US Supreme precedent case (from 1972) lays out a specific 3-part "balancing test" to determine whether the reporter has the right to protect a source.
- In most state laws, and in the Federal precedent, reporters cannot refuse to testify if they witnessed criminal activity.
