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US reporter urges supreme court to halt ruling forcing her to reveal sources or pay $800-a-day fine

US reporter urges supreme court to halt ruling forcing her to reveal sources or pay $800-a-day fine

Summary

Investigative journalist Catherine Herridge faces an $800 daily fine after being held in contempt for not revealing her sources about a government investigation. Herridge has asked the US Supreme Court to pause the fine while the case continues, arguing that revealing sources would harm press freedom.

Key Facts

  • In 2017, Herridge wrote stories about a government investigation involving scientist Yanping Chen.
  • In 2021, a district court held Herridge in civil contempt and ordered an $800 daily fine if she didn't reveal her sources.
  • Herridge has appealed multiple times but has faced defeats in lower courts.
  • She filed a petition with the US Supreme Court to stay the ruling and delay the fine.
  • Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts granted a temporary pause to allow time for a response.
  • Fox News supports Herridge and defends the principle that reporters should protect their sources.
  • The case highlights the lack of a federal shield law protecting journalists from revealing sources.
  • Past similar cases include reporter Judith Miller spending jail time for refusing to name sources.
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