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How California Governs The News Media, Jon H. Sylvester

Publications

While California legislation is generally regarded as progressive, it is not immediately clear what "progressive" means when such democratic values as the right to information and the right to privacy conflict. This article surveys how certain state laws impact the operations of the print and broadcast news media. Laws affecting the media include a number of traditional subject areas, including constitutional law, torts, evidence, and civil, criminal and administrative procedure. The topics discussed herein are defamation, invasion of privacy, cameras in the courtroom, shield law (or "reporter's privilege"), publication of recorded conversations and pilfered documents, and legislation regarding open meetings …