Shield bills introduced in House and Senate.A bill to provide reporters with an "absolute privilege" against compelled disclosure of their sources was introduced in the House on Feb. 2, 2005, by Reps. Mike Pence Michael Richard "Mike" Pence (born June 7 1959) is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives for Indiana's At-large congressional district (see map). Early life and family Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana. (R-IN) and Rick Boucher
Frederick Carlyle "Rick" Boucher (D-VA). The bill, titled the "Free Flow of Information Act" (H.R. 581), also would keep journalists from being subpoenaed to testify To provide evidence as a witness, subject to an oath or affirmation, in order to establish a particular fact or set of facts. Court rules require witnesses to testify about the facts they know that are relevant to the determination of the outcome of the case. or reveal any other information unless all other sources for the information had been exhausted and the material was essential to the underlying court case or investigation. "Compelling reporters to testify and, in particular, compelling them to reveal the identity of their confidential sources is a detriment Any loss or harm to a person or property; relinquishment of a legal right, benefit, or something of value. Detriment is most frequently applied to contract formation, since it is an essential element of consideration, which is a prerequisite of a legally enforceable contract. to the public interest," Pence said on the House floor. On Feb. 10, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) introduced the same bill, with identical wording, in the Senate (S. 3440). Many states have shield laws Statutes affording a privilege to journalists not to disclose in legal proceedings confidential information or sources of information obtained in their professional capacities. , but they are subject to judges' interpretations, leaving journalists at the judges' mercy. Write your representatives in support of the House and the Senate "shield" bills. --P.S. |
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