Access and Reporter's Privilege Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards on access and reporter's privilege.

Establishment Clause

Relates to religion, as seen in Everson v. Board of Education.

Speech Clause

Guarantees freedom of speech, exemplified by Gitlow v. New York.

Press Clause

Protects the freedom of the press, demonstrated by Near v. Minnesota.

Assembly Clause

Ensures the right to assemble, as shown in DeJonge v. Oregon.

Petition Clause

Guarantees the right to petition the government, illustrated by the Slaughterhouse Cases.

Petit Jury

Determines the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

Grand Jury

Reviews evidence in secret to determine if an indictment (charges) are to be leveled in a criminal case.

Subpoena

A court order for an individual to appear in court, with disobedience potentially leading to fines or jail time.

Summons

An official notice that a legal action has begun.

Quash

To set aside or void a ruling or evidence.

Contempt of Court

Failure to comply with a court order, which may result in fines or jail time.

Laws of Applicability

Laws that generally apply to average citizens also usually apply to journalists.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Since 1967, this act provides the public with the right to request access to records from any federal agency, unless it falls under one of nine exemptions.

Exemption 2 (FOIA)

Matters relating to personnel rules/departmental policy, where information can be given so long as identifying information is deleted (redacted).

Exemption 3 (FOIA)

Matters relating to laws/statutes forbidding the release of information; if the agency is bound by another statute rule, it must follow that rule.

Exemption 4 (FOIA)

Matters relating to trade secrets.

Exemption 5 (FOIA)

Matters relating to inter-agency or intra-agency correspondence, meant to protect decision-making processes.

Exemption 6 (FOIA)

Matters relating to personnel or medical files/invasion of privacy.

Exemption 7 (FOIA)

Matters relating to law enforcement.

Reporter's Privilege

Protects actions and communications that are undertaken for the express purpose of improving the public’s access to information.

Shield Laws

Laws that protect journalists, whistle blowers, and sources, thereby ensuring government and corporate transparency.

Sunshine Laws

Laws meant to protect public access to information.

Chilling Effect

When journalists cannot protect their sources, it stops the free flow of information.

Watchdog function of the press

Uncovering wrongdoing, protecting the innocent/giving voice to the voiceless, and speaking truth to power.