CNN
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A federal decide on Thursday held veteran journalist Catherine Herridge in contempt of court docket, fining her $800 a day for refusing to disclose her sources for a sequence of tales printed in 2017 whereas she was a correspondent at Fox Information.
Herridge, who has aggressively fought the case, is predicted to enchantment the decide’s choice. The case might have sweeping First Modification implications for journalists and information organizations throughout the nation.
Herridge, who left Fox Information in 2019 and was not too long ago laid off by CBS Information, refused in September to reveal the sources used for her tales, defying a court docket order issued earlier within the 12 months by the US District Court docket for the District of Columbia. The order from Choose Christopher Cooper got here because of a lawsuit filed by Chinese language American scientist Yanping Chen towards the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Citing paperwork reviewed by Fox Information, Herridge reported that Chen was the topic of an investigation by the FBI. Chen, who was by no means charged, has alleged that federal authorities improperly leaked details about her, violating the Privateness Act.
In an effort to show her case, Chen subpoenaed Herridge and Fox Information, with the hope of unmasking the reporting’s sources. Fox Information and Herridge aggressively fought the transfer, arguing that Cooper ought to quash the subpoenas due to First Modification protections afforded to the press.
However Cooper disagreed and ordered in any other case, stating that “Chen’s want for the requested proof overcomes Herridge’s certified First Modification privilege on this case.”
That set the stage for a Sept. 26 deposition of Herridge, when the journalist was repeatedly requested how she obtained the data for her 2017 tales. Herridge politely declined to reply dozens of such questions.
In Thursday’s order, Cooper acknowledged that his choice would have implications for the press.
“The Court docket doesn’t attain this outcome frivolously,” Cooper wrote. “It acknowledges the paramount significance of a free press in our society and the crucial function that confidential sources play within the work of investigative journalists like Herridge. But the Court docket additionally has its personal function to play in upholding the legislation and safeguarding judicial authority.”
Herridge’s lawyer mentioned, Patrick Phibin, informed CNN in a press release that she plans to enchantment the case.
“We disagree with the district court docket’s choice, and to guard Ms. Herridge’s First Modification rights, we intend to enchantment,” he mentioned.
Fox Information additionally stood behind Herridge, warning that the choice might imperil the work of journalists.
“Holding a journalist in contempt for safeguarding a confidential supply has a deeply chilling impact on journalism,” a community spokesperson mentioned in a press release. “FOX Information Media stays dedicated to defending the rights of a free press and freedom of speech and believes this choice ought to be appealed.”
Herridge declined to remark and pointed to earlier authorized motions difficult the choice to carry her in contempt.
The decide’s choice had drawn criticism from First Modification advocates and press freedom teams.
“Requiring journalists to disclose their confidential sources deters whistleblowers and others from coming ahead, which means the general public has much less entry to data,” Caitlin Vogus, deputy director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Basis, informed CNN final 12 months.
The case has additionally renewed requires Congress to move laws providing federal protections to journalists. In June, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the Shield Reporters from Exploitive State Spying Act, referred to as the PRESS Act. The laws would provide essential safeguards to journalists, together with stopping the federal government from compelling reporters to reveal their sources.