Comm 3525 Shield Law Case Study

1. What is the significance of Branzburg v. Hayes (1972)?

2. For the purposes of shield law protections, who are newsgaterhers? Who should not be classified as a journalist? Explain your reasoning.

3. What are the risks newsgatherers face if they cannot guarantee confidentiality?

5. What is a "qualified" newsgathering privilege?

6. How many states have shield laws? How do they differ from each other?

7. In your view, what are the benefits of a national shield law? What problems could arise from a national shield law?