Question

Ron Rider is a reporter for City Business, a weekly newspaper in the city. He writes a series of articles that appear in the paper detailing a long history of the citys Department of Finance not collecting sales from certain businesses. His articles refer to unnamed sources that he called close to the director of the Department of Finance. The city attorney brings criminal charges against the director of the Department of Finance, based on Riders articles and some independent investigation by the city attorneys office. The directors attorney says that she must have the names of Riders sources so that she can prepare her clients defense. In part, she claims, there are people who would like to get the director (i.e., framed in criminal charges), and if those are Riders sources they are not to be believed. The judge orders Rider to reveal his sources; he refuses. The judge holds him in contempt, and Rider appeals. The state does not have a shield law. However, the states courts have applied the generally accepted test to determine if reporters may keep sources secret. Should the appellate court order Rider to reveal his sources? Why or why not?

Answer

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