Information & the record
shield law
A law protecting journalists from being compelled to identify confidential sources. Most states have one; there is no general federal statute.
In full
Branzburg v. Hayes (1972) held that the First Amendment provides no absolute reporter's privilege before a grand jury, leaving protection to statutes and to Justice Department policy limiting subpoenas to the press. State shield laws vary in who counts as a journalist and whether the protection is absolute or can be overcome by showing need.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.