Legal Definitions - newsman's privilege

Definition: Newsman's privilege is a legal right granted to journalists that protects them from being compelled to reveal their sources or confidentialinformation obtained during the course of their work. It is a type of journalist's privilege, which is a special exemption to a duty.

Example: A journalist receives information from a confidential source about a government scandal. The journalist publishes a story based on the information, but the government wants to know the identity of the source. The journalist can claim newsman's privilege to protect the source's identity and avoid being compelled to reveal it.

Explanation: Newsman's privilege is important for journalists because it allows them to maintain the confidentiality of their sources and protect them from retaliation. It also allows journalists to report on important stories without fear of legal repercussions. However, newsman's privilege is not absolute and can be challenged in certain circumstances, such as when national security is at risk.