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William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Confidential Communications

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Full-Text Articles in Law

The Unusual Suspects: Journalists As Thieves, William E. Lee Dec 1999

The Unusual Suspects: Journalists As Thieves, William E. Lee

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

The publication of confidential information by the press stands in stark contrast to the press' dedication to protecting the confidentiality of sources. While the Supreme Court has taken the position that the press may publish confidential information acquired through "routine" newsgathering methods, the contours of the phrase "routine " newsgathering methods are poorly defined In this Article, Professor Lee describes the link between the manner in which information is obtained and the First Amendment's protection of the publication of the information. He concludes that the proper analysis would separate the interests affected by publication from the interests affected by illegal …


The Constitutional Interest In Getting The News: Toward A First Amendment Protection From Tort Liability For Surreptitious Newsgathering, Paul A. Lebel May 1996

The Constitutional Interest In Getting The News: Toward A First Amendment Protection From Tort Liability For Surreptitious Newsgathering, Paul A. Lebel

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

No abstract provided.


Tortious Interference: The Limits Of Common Law Liability For Newsgathering, Sandra S. Baron, Hilary Lane, David A. Schulz May 1996

Tortious Interference: The Limits Of Common Law Liability For Newsgathering, Sandra S. Baron, Hilary Lane, David A. Schulz

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Media lawyers have recently been confronted with a relatively new source of litigation: the tort of intentional interference with contractual relations, which arises out of confidentiality agreements. In this Article, the authors identify the elements of tortious interference with contracts and examine the key issues presented when this tort is applied to newsgathering. The authors then consider a potential defense based on the First Amendment. In light of the public and constitutional interests at stake, the authors conclude that the breach of a confidentiality agreement should not sustain a tortious interference claim when the press is involved in newsgathering activity.


Vanity And Vexation: Shifting The Focus To Media Conduct, Jane E. Kirtley May 1996

Vanity And Vexation: Shifting The Focus To Media Conduct, Jane E. Kirtley

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Lawsuits brought by corporations against news organizations during the last few years demonstrate that it is no longer sufficient for the press to get its facts straight. With some industries literally fighting for their lives, a new legal climate has encourage litigation that deflects bad publicity by shifting the focus away from the traditional issue of accuracy to a critical examination of the news media's newsgathering techniques. Concerns about the reaction of courts to unorthodox reporting methods may prompt news organizations to censor themselves, but the author argues that facing the threat of mega-verdicts or contempt citations should be regarded …


Cohen V. Cowles Media And Its Significance For First Amendment Law And Journalism, Jerome A. Barron Feb 1994

Cohen V. Cowles Media And Its Significance For First Amendment Law And Journalism, Jerome A. Barron

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

No abstract provided.