Shield law makes it harder to fight crime, protect national security

[Commentary] Unlike doctors, lawyers, psychiatrists and clergy, all of whom have established professional standards, journalists do not operate under specific guidelines or licensing. Over the years, this lack of an operating standard has resulted in the disclosure of national security secrets and has cost American lives. Passing a shield law would place a heavy burden on the Justice Department to demonstrate a compelling need for a reporter's source. However, the personal whims of federal judges handling these cases can stall or halt Justice's investigations. A shield law would also make it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to fight crime and protect our national security. While the proposed bill contains a limited number of exceptions where the shield law does not apply — such as preventing death, kidnapping or bodily harm — there are not specific exceptions for other sorts of crimes, such as combating child pornography and alien smuggling. This bill goes beyond promoting a free press by conferring a privileged position on the media. Shielding a profession that provides a watchdog role over government excesses but cannot be trusted to guard national secrets should not be a higher priority than protecting our country or solving crimes that can help save lives.