Journalist's Privilege

I have long been conflicted about the wisdom of recognizing a journalist's privilege that is akin to the attorney-client privilege or the doctor-patient privilege. In today's New York Times, blogger Eugene Volokh offers a very sensible compromise:

Lawmakers could pass legislation that protects leakers who lawfully reveal information, like those who blow the whistle on governmental or corporate misconduct. But if a leaker tries to use a journalist as part of an illegal act - for example, by disclosing a tax return or the name of a C.I.A. agent so that it can be published - then the journalist may be ordered to testify.

(For cross-post at Centerfield and comments posted there, click here.)