Appeal court recognizes reporter's privilege in trucking suit

Article Abstract:

A Missouri state appellate court in State ex rel. Classic III, Inc. v. Ely supported a magazine's right to withhold information about sources for a story about excessive insurance rates in the trucking industry. rpm Magazine reported on the practices of Owner-Operator Services, Inc. (OOSI), a subsidiary of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn, Inc. (OOIDA). OOSI and OOIDA filed a libel suit and requested sources be revealed during pretrial proceedings. The court ruled sources could be revealed only if all other means to find sources had been exhausted.

Missouri, Trucking, Insurance industry, Investigations

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High court finds privilege covers non-confidential information

Article Abstract:

The Florida Supreme Court in October 1998 issued opinions for two cases regarding a reporter's right not to disclose in a court proceeding nonconfidential material that was not published. The cases involved interviews persons involved in aggravated assault and murder. The Court ruled reporters have qualified protection that depends on information's relevancy, availability of alternative sources, and compelling need. Due process for criminal defendants must also be considered.

United States, Freedom of the press

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Iowa high court extends privilege to criminal cases, grand juries

Article Abstract:

The Iowa Supreme Court ordered a lower court to revise its ruling in a case regarding the press' privilege to withhold materials in criminal cases. The court ruled that the privilege applied in criminal as well as civil cases, and that the requesting party must show compelling need before a judge can order inspection of the evidence, just as in civil cases. The lower court found compelling need and ordered the television station to turn over the materials subpoenaed.

Similar abstracts:

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