Utah High Court Adopts Broad Privilege For Reporters

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The Utah Supreme Court has adopted a rule that allows reporters to refuse to identify confidential sources if called to testify in court, a protection described as one of the most sweeping in the country.

“It provides near-absolute protection for confidential sources,” Jeff Hunt, an attorney for a Utah media coalition, said yesterday.

The only exception to the shield rule would be in cases where the information could prevent substantial injury or death, he said.

The rule also protects non-confidential, unpublished information — notes, photographs and videotape — collected in the reporting process.

Check it out here.