The Student Press Law Center answers your most frequently asked questions about confidential sources and reporter’s privilege.
Responding to school seizures and searches of cellphones
While a school has leeway to decide how and when cellphones may be used, the Fourth Amendment restricts the ability of any government agency to seize a person’s property or search the contents of that property, including a phone. Learn what the law does — and doesn't — protect.
State-by-state guide to the reporter’s privilege for student media
Reporter's privilege laws vary by state. Some laws provide broad protection, shielding both unpublished and published information as well as confidential and non-confidential sources and information.
Student media guide to protecting sources and information
A comprehensive guide to reporters privilege laws created specifically for student media. Includes practical suggestions for students and advisers working with confidential sources.
Student media guide to the Privacy Protection Act
A look at the federal law that protects journalists from unauthorized newsroom searches and confiscation of their notes, photos and other newsgathering material.
SPLC guide to publishing leaked material
Handling and publishing material that has (possibly) been illegally obtained and provided by third-parties.
To publish or not to publish?
Frequently asked questions about publishing materials that may have been unlawfully obtained by others.
Legal protections for journalists’ sources and information
Brief overview of the state and federal protections that cover journalists' sources and information.