Wisconsin passes reporters' 'Shield Law'
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Gov. Jim Doyle says he will sign into law a bill passed by the Legislature to protect journalists from having to reveal their confidential sources in court.
The Senate passed the so-called "Shield Law" on a voice vote Tuesday. It had previously cleared the Assembly.
Wisconsin will become the 39th state with such a law after Doyle signs it.
Supporters say the law is important not only to protect reporters but also their sources who sometimes risk losing their jobs by coming forward with important information. But a division of the State Bar worries that it goes too far in protecting reporters from having to divulge non-confidential information.
A judge could order reporters to reveal confidential information only under limited circumstances.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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