This is a presentation about journalists using confidential sources and their ongoing struggle of going to jail to maintain secrecy.

1. Confidential Sources
Ashley Quintela

2. A Brief History of Confidential Sources
People tend to not trust anonymous sources
Sources are usually confidential if it is a topic of controversy or illegal actions
Confidential sources are a way for journalists to expose the truth without exposing
the person involved
Still controversial in society

3. Shield Laws and Information Protected by the Privilege Law
Shield Laws protect journalists from having to give up sources
However, there are loopholes
Not all states have shield laws, only 10 states do not have it.
Question journalists must ask themselves: Is it worth going to jail for?
Shield Laws protect rape victims.

4. Subpoenas
Police will not need authorization to obtain classified information from journalists.

5. Case Analysis
Facts of Cohen v. Cowles
Dan Cohen was the director of a public relations firm handling the advertising for the campaign of a wheelock Whitney which
was the Independent Republican (IR) gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota 1982 elections
Cohen contacted journalists from different news outlets stating that he has information pertaining to the candidates for the
upcoming elections and of course, journalists took advantage of the lead
The paper ran a story about Johnson’s arrests and the source of the documents which led to Cohen being fired

6. Conclusion
Confidential sources help inform society.
When the media is trusted, people are willing to share their stories, even if they do
not want to be identified.
Journalists are still fighting for shield laws in some states.