Question 1

Which one of these most closely matches David Gordon's definition of a confidential source?

Accepted Answer

David Gordon's definition of a confidential source is someone who gives a journalist information off-the-record in exchange for a promise the journalist will safeguard his or her identity. Choice A is the only option that includes the promise of identity protection, which is a key element of the definition. The other options do not include this promise.

Question 2

All of these were in the three-part balancing test for confidential sources established in the Branzburg v. Hayes 1972 Supreme Court case, except ...

Accepted Answer

The three-part balancing test established in Branzburg v. Hayes included the criteria (A) identifying the source was critical and necessary to the resolution of a significant legal issue, (B) there was no other way to obtain the critical and necessary information, and (C) there was an overriding public interest in disclosure of the source. However, (D) "there would be no other way for the prosecutor, complainant or special investigator to successfully conclude the case without disclosure of the source" was not a part of the three-part balancing test.

Question 3

Which of these is closest to what David Gordon means when he says journalists need more transparency in their use of confidential sources?

Accepted Answer

David Gordon is advocating for journalists to be more transparent about why they are using confidential sources. This means explaining to their audiences why the source needed to remain confidential and why their information could not be obtained through other means.

Question 4

When a journalist breaks his or her promise and identifies a confidential source, it has a chilling effect on all of these, except ...

Accepted Answer

If confidential sources know that journalists are likely to reveal their identities, they will be less willing to provide information to the press. This will make it harder for journalists to report on sensitive or contentious issues, which will in turn limit the public's access to important information. However, the ability of prosecutors and special investigators to win cases involving journalists' confidential sources is not directly impacted by whether or not a journalist breaks a promise of confidentiality. If a journalist refuses to reveal a source's identity, prosecutors will need to find other ways to obtain the information they need to build their case.

Question 5

When should an ethical journalist reveal the identity of her or his confidential source, according to Michael Dorsher's argument?

Accepted Answer

According to Michael Dorsher's argument, an ethical journalist should never reveal the identity of his or her confidential source unless it could perhaps save someone's life. This is to protect the principles of journalistic ethics, which includes protecting sources who have provided information on the condition of confidentiality.

Question 6

Based on your reading of Gordon's and Dorsher's stances on a federal shield law, which of these statements would be true?

Accepted Answer

Gordon argues that a blanket federal shield law would not always protect journalists or confidential sources, as there are many situations when national security concerns or other interests could override the need for protection. Dorsher, on the other hand, does not explicitly state whether he supports or opposes a federal shield law, but rather discusses the difficulties in devising one that effectively balances the need for protection with the need to uphold the law.

Quiz 15: More Topics in the Ethical Debate