shield law

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shield law¹

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Salon

A federal judge dismissed Mexico’s lawsuits based on the shield law, but the appeals court disagreed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The question now is whether Carpenter will actually face any of these consequences—and whether Texas will be able to take down New York’s shield law, which seeks to spare doctors, patients, and others who help abortion seekers from civil and criminal consequences like these.

Read more on Slate