shield law

American  

noun

1. a law protecting journalists from forced disclosure of confidential sources of information.

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Etymology

Origin of shield law

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The case is the first time the court has taken up the shield law, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, or PLCAA.

From BBC

New York has a shield law, however, so the governor and the Attorney General of New York have said they will protect the doctor.

From Salon

“It’s hard to imagine a suit more clearly barred by” the shield law passed by Congress, said Washington attorney Noel Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s where the shield law comes in: It provides that New York’s governor can’t comply with extradition requests unless federal law otherwise requires it.

From Slate

Complicating matters further is a provision in New York’s shield law that would allow Carpenter to sue Texas right back, opening the door to more questions about sovereign immunity and state-on-state litigation.

From Salon